Massachusetts Democratic State Representative Francisco Paulino was arrested on Tuesday over his alleged role in stealing COVID benefit funds.

Paulino, who represents Methuen and Lawrence in the Massachusetts House, has been accused of wire fraud and money laundering in a criminal complaint filed in federal court.

The charges stem from his purported participation in schemes to divert pandemic relief money intended for businesses and individuals affected by the coronavirus outbreak. Federal authorities have increasingly targeted such fraud cases in recent years as investigations into the massive COVID-era spending programs continue.

Paulino's arrest highlights ongoing concerns about the oversight of trillions of dollars in federal relief distributed during the pandemic. Critics have pointed to lax controls that allowed widespread abuse of programs like the Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment benefits.

As a sitting state legislator, Paulino faces potential consequences that could affect his role in the Massachusetts House. The complaint details allegations of using wire communications to further the scheme and laundering the proceeds.