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Massachusetts State Representative Francisco Paulino has been arrested and charged with allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $700,000 in pandemic-related government assistance and subsequently using part of the money in transactions involving real estate, loans and his own businesses. Paulino, 46, who represents the 16th Essex District covering parts of Lawrence and Methuen, was arrested on 26 August 2026 following a federal grand jury indictment containing 11 charges.