Massachusetts Mayor Arrested for Alleged Fraud
A mayor in Massachusetts was taken into custody on Friday morning, with prosecutors accusing him of misappropriating federal funds intended for pandemic relief. Specifically, it’s alleged that he funneled this money into political campaigns and personal tax obligations.
Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, who is 61 and a member of the Democratic party, is said to have received over $1 million aimed at aiding his small business ventures during the pandemic.
According to reports, he used this relief money not for its intended purpose but rather to settle debts with the IRS, fund campaign activities, and cover high-interest obligations on various properties he owned. An FBI agent, Ted Docks, described the situation, saying, “This is emergency financial aid intended as a safety net for struggling businesses, not Mr. DePeña. It’s your own personal ATM.”
DePeña applied for a loan from Tenares Tire Service—his own business—and received more than $1.5 million. It’s alleged that he then misused approximately $883,000 of those funds to pay off high-interest loans linked to real estate that was separate from his tire business.
The released documents included several text messages purportedly sent by the mayor, in which he sought assistance from an accountant and financial advisor to secure a loan. In one text, he reportedly said, “Brother, please call me. I’m in trouble. I don’t want to pressure you, but I don’t have time to wait for this loan. I’m in your hands.”
Another message allegedly stated, “I know I’m causing you a lot of trouble, but I have no other choice. You’re the only one who can give me what I need.”
He faces serious charges, including wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley commented on the situation, expressing that “Mayor DePeña was elected leader of the City of Lawrence. He was respected and trusted by his constituents, and he betrayed that trust through allegations of corruption and lies. Today’s arrests reflect our commitment to addressing wrongdoing by public officials.”
Despite attempts to reach him for comment, DePeña has not responded to inquiries regarding this matter.
The mayor initially took office in 2021 and was re-elected for a second term in 2025. He had previously served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 to 2021.
This incident has occurred amid efforts in Massachusetts to combat fraud, including the creation of a Benefits and Voter Fraud Team, which is part of a broader initiative to fight against fraudulent activities as mentioned in a prior announcement from U.S. Attorney Leah Foley in March.
