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Mass. Rep. Francisco Paulino Arrested on $700,000 Fraud Charges

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Mass.) was arrested on federal pandemic-relief fraud charges.
He faces an 11-count indictment alleging $700,000 fraud, including unemployment, loan and laundering schemes.
Prosecutors allege he filed a claim for a 77-year-old relative and kept the funds.
He allegedly spent the money on personal real-estate, loans and his campaign.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said no official is above the law, adding Paulino is the second Massachusetts rep indicted.

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Story summary

Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Mass.) was arrested on federal pandemic-relief fraud charges.
He faces an 11-count indictment alleging $700,000 fraud, including unemployment, loan and laundering schemes.
Prosecutors allege he filed a claim for a 77-year-old relative and kept the funds.
He allegedly spent the money on personal real-estate, loans and his campaign.
U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said no official is above the law, adding Paulino is the second Massachusetts rep indicted.