Andrew E. Lelling, Federal Corruption, Massachusetts 2021

US Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, at the center of a number of high-profile corruption cases in Massachusetts, has announced his resignation as US Attorney for the District of Massachusetts. Lelling’s departure marks the end of a 20-year career in the federal government, starting in 2001 as a senior official in the Civil Rights Division.

Under Lelling’s leadership, the US Attorney’s Office brought successful, high-impact cases in a number of areas. One of the most significant cases was the federal enforcement action targeting corruption in college admissions, which sparked a national conversation on fairness and equality in the admissions process. Fifty-six people were charged in the college admissions case, 42 of whom have been convicted to date.

Lelling also spearheaded a nationally recognized anti-opioid media campaign focused on preventing first-time use, especially among teens. The campaign used social media and non-traditional platforms with targeted messaging developed using focus groups of teens and others. It was the first of its kind in the country and reached millions of people in the Commonwealth and beyond.

In a push to tackle public corruption in the Commonwealth, Lelling’s office charged 11 current and former members of the Massachusetts State Police and 10 current and former members of the Boston Police Department for fraudulent overtime practices and other corruption. State Representative David Nangle was also charged with alleged fraud.

Lelling’s gang and organized crime prosecutors convicted dozens of members of the violent transnational gang MS-13, and indicted more than 70 members of the Latin Kings gang, substantially dismantling both gangs in Massachusetts.

With Lelling’s resignation, the US Attorney’s Office will be looking for a new leader to continue its work in combating corruption and bringing justice to the people of Massachusetts.

Defendant: Andrew E. Lelling

Criminal Charges: None specified

City and State: Boston, Massachusetts

Exact Date: February 28, 2021

Sentence or Outcome: Resigned

Dollar Amounts: None specified

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