Ex-Rep. David Nangle Pleads Guilty To Host Of Fraud Charges

CHELMSFORD, MA — Former State Rep. David Nangle of Lowell pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Wednesday, one year after his arrest on numerous counts of fraud helped end his 22-year career in the State House.

Nangle, who had chaired the House Ethics Committee, admitted to using campaign funds to support his gambling habit and lifestyle, including a golf club membership and gifts for his girlfriend.

Nangle, 60, was a member of the House of Representatives for the 17th Middlesex District from 1999 until 2020, representing parts of Chelmsford and Lowell. He lost his bid for reelection in September's Democratic primary.

Federal prosecutors described a debt-ridden, gambling-addicted Nangle who would use his campaign's debit card to pay for golf club dues, rental cars to casinos, flowers for his girlfriend, gas, hotels and restaurants.

Nangle also confessed to hiding his debt from banks and exaggerating his income to obtain credit lines and a mortgage on his home, as well as filing false tax returns for five years.

"Elected representatives are expected to work for the benefit of their constituents, not to line their own pockets," said U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling in a statement. "Mr. Nangle violated his obligations to the public by siphoning campaign dollars to cover the cost of his personal lifestyle, violating both federal law and the trust placed in him by voters."

Nangle pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud, four counts of bank fraud, four counts of making false statements to a bank and five counts of filing false tax returns.

"David Nangle brokered his powerful position as a Massachusetts state lawmaker to put his own personal, financial, and political interests above the people he was elected to serve, depriving them of the right to honest government," said FBI Boston Special Agent In Charge Joseph Bonavolonta.

The crimes carry up to decades in prison and millions of dollars in fines. Nangle's sentencing is scheduled for June 24.

As part of the plea deal, Nangle waived his right to appeal any prison sentence of 30 months or less.

Previously: State Rep Fed Gambling Habit With Campaign Funds ...