Francisco Paulino, 46, of Methuen, Mass., is charged in an 11-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Boston. Paulino is charged with eight counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. Paulino will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at 2 p.m. today.

According to the indictment, Paulino fraudulently obtained Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits in 2020-2021 in the name of an unknowing 77-year-old relative. The PUA program, which was created during the COVID pandemic, provided unemployment benefits for people who were ineligible for regular unemployment benefits, including independent contractors.

In April 2020, Paulino allegedly submitted an online PUA application to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for his relative, in which Paulino falsely claimed that the relative had worked for Paulino’s business, Madison Tax, LLC, in 2019. Paulino allegedly submitted fabricated documents in support of the PUA application and submitted false weekly certifications to the DUA. It is further alleged that Paulino directed the DUA to electronically deposit the PUA benefits into a bank account held solely in Paulino’s name. As a result, between April 2020 and September 2021, the DUA paid over $44,000 in PUA benefits. Paulino allegedly used the money to pay for real estate expenses, loan payments and transfers into his political campaign account.

According to the indictment, Paulino also committed fraud in connection with three Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). During COVID, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offered taxpayer-funded EIDLs to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the pandemic. The interest rate on EIDLs was 3.75% and the loan use was limited. A business could only use EIDL proceeds as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by COVID.

According to the charging documents, Paulino incorporated a business called Jackson Enterprise, Inc. as a “fast food restaurant cafe” on Nov. 25, 2019. Jackson Enterprise allegedly had no revenue prior to August 2020. Although Madison Tax filed tax returns with the IRS stating that Jackson Enterprise’s revenues were $0 in 2019 and $116,925 in 2020, Paulino allegedly submitted an EIDL application to the SBA in June 2020 falsely representing that Jackson Enterprise’s revenues for the 12 months ending Jan. 31, 2020 were $426,755. The SBA granted the application and deposited $136,600 in EIDL proceeds into Jackson Enterprise’s bank account in July 2020. Paulino allegedly used $18,000 of the funds toward the purchase of real estate in Lawrence.

Paulino also allegedly obtained a $109,200 EIDL for Madison Tax in May 2020, and later asked the SBA for an increase in the loan amount. In June 2021, the SBA increased the Madison Tax EIDL by $292,600, bringing the total loan amount to $401,800. In October 2021, after the SBA deposited the $292,600 into Madison Tax’s bank account, Paulino allegedly transferred $100,000 of the EIDL funds into the bank account of Madison Mortgage, Inc.– another of his businesses, and used the money to help fund a $600,000 mortgage to two individuals for their purchase of a house in Methuen. Then, in December 2021, Paulino allegedly transferred $120,000 of the EIDL funds from his Madison Tax account to his Madison Mortgage account and used the money to help fund a $460,000 mortgage from Madison Mortgage to an LLC for the purchase of a house in Lawrence. It is further alleged that Paulino not only used $220,000 of Madison Tax EIDL funds for an impermissible purpose, but also that he profited by charging 5.5% and 7.94% interest on the loans he made with the EIDL funds and by charging $25,000 in “loan origination fees” to the home purchasers.

The indictment further alleges that Paulino obtained a fraudulent EIDL modification for one of his Madison Tax clients. In June 2020, Paulino allegedly recommended that a client apply for an EIDL and told the client that he would handle the paperwork and the client would not need to do anything. It is alleged that the client agreed and Paulino obtained a $104,300 EIDL for the client’s business. Paulino allegedly asked the SBA for an increase to the client’s EIDL without the client’s knowledge and in September 2021, the SBA approved an increase of $243,200. Paulino allegedly told the client that he had obtained more government loan money for the client’s business, that the client should leave the money in the client’s business account and that he was going to propose a business deal for the client. It is further alleged that Paulino later told the client to lend him $200,000 and together they transferred $200,000 from the client’s account to Paulino’s Madison Tax account. Paulino then allegedly used the $200,000 to help fund a $680,000 mortgage to another Madison Mortgage client for the purchase of real property in Lawrence, charging an interest rate of 6.25% and a “loan origination fee” of $17,000.

The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Tom Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Jeffrey S. Shapiro, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kistina E. Barclay and Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case.

On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).

On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.

Weather – Cloudy…breezy…near 60

Agganis Foundation

Agganis Foundation Celebrates 70 Years – Honorees Include Demakes Family…Mike Giardi…Brady Warren

 

MIAA SPRING POWER RANKINGS

 

Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea

The Annual Community Clean Up Day is on Saturday, May 17 from 10 AM to 1 PM. This event is hosted by Sustainability Committee and Manchester Parks and Recreation along with Seaside Sustainability. Register Now: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/102Hydj-BtIs8JhiZzgMF3qj_8Y_4dWtayLR_-GAQKQM/viewform?edit_requested=true

City of Gloucester

Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea

The Annual Town Election is on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Memorial School from 7 AM to 8 PM. Residents will vote on elected Town officials and funding for capital projects. Sample Ballot: https://manchester.ma.us/503/Town-Meetings-and-Elections

Winthrop Vikings

Congratulations to Coach Anthony Martucci for being named the new Salem State Womens’ Hockey Coach.

Great opportunity and well deserved. Tough loss for the Vikings but we are grateful for all the years of coaching. Thank you.

 

Salem High School Football

City of Lynn
Street sweeping will begin in Ward 7 on Tuesday, April 21, marking the first week of the program.

The specific precincts can be viewed on the street sweeping calendar, located at LynnMA.gov

Please be advised that sweeping will be done during the hours of 7:00am to 3:00pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Gloucester

Attention Non-profits and Service Organizations!

The City of Gloucester’s Public Service applications just opened. These funds come from the federal office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. They can be used for public services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

If you are a non-profit or service organization, consider learning more to see if you would be eligible for funds! Applications are open and due May 18th. You can apply here on Neighborly: https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/glouces…/participant

Don’t miss this funding opportunity!

 

City of Gloucester

The City of Gloucester extends its deepest sympathy

to the families and loved ones affected by the tragic loss of the F/V Lily Jean.

For those looking to support the families:

donations can be made through Fishing Partnership Support Services:

https://fishingpartnership.org/donate

Please note that donations should be designated for the Lily Jean families.

Thank you for the continued compassion and support shown by our community.

City of Gloucester·

Resident Beach Stickers are here!

Come to City Hall at the hours listed below to get your resident beach sticker for the summer. You can find them at the Collector’s Window on the First Floor.

Hours:

Monday – Wednesday: 8:30AM – 3:30PM

Thursday – 8:30AM – 6:00PM

Friday – 8:30AM – 12:00PM

Reminder, you can always skip the line and get your beach stickers online! Scan the QR code below or visit our website to get yours: https://gloucesterma.portal.opengov.com/categories/1082

North Reading firefighters Chris O’Hara and Ian Helmick graduated as members of Career Recruit Class #338 during a ceremony on May 1.

The graduating class included 26 firefighters representing the departments of Andover, Ashland, Attleboro, Beverly, Chelmsford, Dover, Everett, Lawrence, Medford, Nantucket, North Reading, Revere, Southborough, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Walpole and Westford.

The Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program provides extensive instruction through classroom learning, hands-on skill development, and live fire training. Recruits are trained by experienced instructors and must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack under both non-fire and controlled fire conditions.

Firefighter Ian Helmick

Helmick is a 2008 graduate of Saugus High School. Following High School, he attended Salem State University, graduating with a degree in Theatre and a minor in History. Ian has worked in the private EMS field since 2020, earning his paramedic license, and was hired by the North Reading Fire Department on Sept. 23, 2025.

Firefighter Chris O’Hara

O’Hara is a 2009 graduate of Malden Catholic High School. Following high school, Chris attended Westfield State University, graduating in 2013 with a degree in Liberal Arts. He attended the ProEMS Center for Medics in 2023, graduating and earning his Paramedic license. O’Hara was hired by the North Reading Fire Department on Sept. 3, 2025.

Upon successful completion of the program, all graduates meet the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council.

In addition to fire suppression, recruits are trained to respond to a wide range of emergencies, including hazardous materials incidents, gas leaks, motor vehicle crashes, and technical rescues. They also receive instruction in fire behavior, public fire education, stress management, and self-rescue techniques.

“North Reading Fire is pleased to welcome these outstanding individuals into the Department,” said Chief Stats. “Each graduate brings with them a passion and commitment to serving their community. On behalf of the entire North Reading Fire Department, I would like to congratulate Firefighters Helmick and O’Hara for their completion of the Academy.”

Agganis Foundation

Agganis Foundation Celebrates 70 Years – Honorees Include Demakes Family…Mike Giardi…Brady Warren

Salem High School Football

City of Lynn
Street sweeping will begin in Ward 7 on Tuesday, April 21, marking the first week of the program.

The specific precincts can be viewed on the street sweeping calendar, located at LynnMA.gov

Please be advised that sweeping will be done during the hours of 7:00am to 3:00pm.

City of Gloucester

City of Gloucester

Agganis Foundation

Agganis Foundation Celebrates 70 Years – Honorees Include Demakes Family…Mike Giardi…Brady Warren

City of Salem
The City of Salem invites the public to join in commemoration for the Polish Flag Day flag raising ceremony
on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11:00am at Riley Plaza in Salem.  All are welcome!

Salem High School Football

City of Lynn
Street sweeping will begin in Ward 7 on Tuesday, April 21, marking the first week of the program.

The specific precincts can be viewed on the street sweeping calendar, located at LynnMA.gov

Please be advised that sweeping will be done during the hours of 7:00am to 3:00pm.

City of Gloucester

City of Gloucester

Marblehead 11

Masco 9

Game played at Fraser Field – opening game of the Spartan Tournament

Marblehead jumped out early and often scoring 3 in the first, 4 in the second and 3 more in the third.

Marblehead added a much needed insurance run in the 7^th as Masco battled back from down 11-2 in the 7^th to have first and second with 2 outs and the score 11-9.

Junior Will Macrina in his first varsity start went four innings giving up just two in the first inning.

Junior Cam Carneval in his first varsity start had two solid innings but got tired in the 7^th.

Lefty Sophomore Yanzel Fuentes came in for the save in the 7^th.

Grey Leventhal continues to swing it well with 4 hits on the day.

Marblehead will face the winner of the St. Mary’s / Pope Francis game.

First pitch tomorrow will be at 3 pm at Fraser Field.

The Magicians are now 5-3 overall. (5-2 League)