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Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena Charged With Wire Fraud in $1.5M COVID Relief Scheme
Just the facts
Federal law enforcement officers arrested 61-year-old Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena in Massachusetts on August 14, 2026, following an indictment charging him with wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley announced that DePena allegedly misused Economic Injury Disaster Loans totaling over $1.5 million that were issued by the Small Business Administration to his auto repair business, Tenares Tire Service Inc., under the CARES Act. Prosecutors alleged that DePena transferred business loan funds to personal accounts, using over $42,000 for checks written to his political campaign committee, $85,000 to settle personal back taxes with the Internal Revenue Service, and $883,293 to pay off high-interest mortgages on personal real estate in Lawrence. DePena was scheduled for an initial appearance in federal district court in Boston, where he faces a statutory maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
Why this is news
Federal law enforcement authorities arrested Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena on wire fraud and money laundering charges following an investigation into federal pandemic relief loans. Prosecutors alleged that DePena diverted over $1.5 million in Small Business Administration funds intended for his private business to pay personal debts and fund his mayoral campaign.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.