Mass. state representative indicted over COVID relief funds scheme

Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino was indicted on eight wire-fraud counts and three unlawful-monetary-transaction counts for allegedly siphoning more than $700,000 in COVID-19 relief through his Madison Tax and Madison Mortgage businesses. His passport was seized, he pleaded not guilty, and authorities say the scheme involved unemployment claims and Economic Injury Disaster Loans; potential penalties could reach decades in prison per count if convicted.