Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, a 61-year-old Democrat, was arrested on Friday morning following allegations that he misused federal pandemic relief funds for personal financial obligations.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts, DePeña received more than $1.5 million in low-interest loans intended to support his car and tire shop business, Tenares Tire Services Inc. Prosecutors claim he diverted $883,000 of that amount toward high-interest debts on properties unrelated to the business.
A press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that DePeña communicated with his financial advisor via text messages pleading for urgent assistance: “I know I’m bothering you a lot, but I have no other option. Only you can give me what I need.” FBI Special Agent Ted Docks described the funds as “emergency financial assistance meant to be a safety net for struggling businesses, not Mr. DePeña’s own personal ATM.”
DePeña, elected mayor in 2021 and re-elected in 2025, was arrested on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley characterized his actions as a betrayal of public trust: “Mayor DePeña was elected to be a leader for the City of Lawrence. He was looked up to and trusted by his constituents, but he betrayed that trust through his alleged corruption and lies.”
DePeña has not responded to requests for comment.
