Former Mass. Sen. Dean Tran sentenced to 18 months for fraud

Former Massachusetts State Sen. Dean Tran (R-Worcester and Middlesex), 48, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison after being convicted of wire fraud and filing false tax returns, according to a press release. The sentencing, which took place on Friday in a U.S. District Court in Boston, also included two years of supervised release and penalties amounting to over $50,000 in restitution and fines, as described by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.

Tran, a Republican from Fitchburg, was found guilty of fraudulently receiving pandemic unemployment assistance while working as a paid consultant for a New Hampshire auto parts company. Despite earning $90 per hour, Tran collected $30,120 in unemployment benefits in 2021, while also concealing over $50,000 in consulting income from his federal tax returns. Additionally, he failed to report rental income from his Fitchburg property during the same period, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The charges stemmed from a pattern of financial deception, including failing to report his income to the Internal Revenue Service and unlawfully claiming benefits meant for those who were unemployed due to the pandemic, for which Tran was arrested in 2023. Federal prosecutors argued that Tran violated the public’s trust, noting that his actions diverted vital resources away from those in genuine need. U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah B. Foley stated that Tran’s behavior “[erodes] the public’s trust in elected officials,” as reported by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Tran’s legal troubles extend beyond this case. In 2024, he faced additional legal actions, including charges related to obstruction of justice and violations of state ethics laws. Before his time in the Senate, Tran served on the Fitchburg City Council for 12 years and ran unsuccessfully for a seat in Congress in 2022, according to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Last week, Tran refuted the claims on X and asked prominent Republicans and conservative media members for support, including President Donald Trump, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and Fox News’ Jesse Watters.

“This is nothing more than weaponization and lawfare and use of our judicial system to go after political candidates with opposing viewpoints,” Tran told WCVB Channel 5 Boston.

Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV, who presided over the case, described Tran as an individual who disregarded the rules and laws that govern public service. The sentencing further highlights ongoing concern about public trust in elected officials and the consequences of dishonesty in government service.

The case continues to raise broader questions about ethics and transparency in public office, with some community members expressing outrage on social media over Tran’s actions and the subsequent breach of trust.