Massachusetts Mayor Arrested, Charged with Pandemic Loan Fraud, Money Laundering
Federal prosecutors say Brian DePeña used pandemic loans for campaign spending, taxes and debt, with authorities alleging more than $1.5 million was misused.
- Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested Friday on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly diverting more than $1.5 million in pandemic-era small business loans to fund his campaign and personal expenses.
- In 2020 and 2021, DePeña applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans for Tenares Tire Services Inc., his tire business, but by early 2021 faced mounting personal financial strain including back taxes and nearly $900,000 in mortgage debts.
- Prosecutors allege DePeña used $85,000 in EIDL funds for personal tax debts and $90,000 for checks to 'The Committee to Elect Brian DePeña,' while using $883,293 to pay off high-interest mortgages on Lawrence properties.
- U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated the mayor 'betrayed' his constituents' trust; FBI Special Agent Ted E. Docks accused DePeña of treating emergency funds as his 'own personal ATM' and promised prosecution.
- DePeña faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and is scheduled to appear in Boston federal courthouse later Friday, following a May search warrant at City Hall.
87 Articles
87 Articles
The Epoch Times
The Constitution StudyMassachusetts Mayor Charged With Using COVID Loan for Election Campaign, Debt Payments
A Massachusetts mayor was arrested on Aug. 14 on allegations that he fraudulently secured more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 small-business loans to fund his election campaign and pay personal taxes and mortgages. Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena, 61, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, according to a statement by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts. DePena has been released from custody following his …
Democratic Massachusetts Mayor Arrested in $1.5 Million COVID Fraud Case Smiles Through Bizarre Post-Arrest Encounter as Staff Claims He ‘Doesn’t Speak English’
A Democratic mayor facing serious federal charges for allegedly treating pandemic relief funds like a personal slush fund was captured on video Friday smiling, waving, and offering what critics are calling a bizarre response to reporters, while his staff reportedly insisted he does not speak English. Lawrence, Massachusetts, Mayor Brian DePeña, 61, was arrested by the FBI early Friday morning on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Prosec…
Massachusetts Mayor Charged with Fraud and Money Laundering
Mayor Brian DePeña of Lawrence faces serious legal troubles after being charged with wire fraud and money laundering. This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption in local government. The post Massachusetts Mayor Charged with Fraud and Money Laundering appeared first on News Addicts.
NEW: Democrat Mayor Arrested In Connection With $1.5 Million Fraud Scheme
Mayor Brian DePeña of Lawrence, Massachusetts was arrested and charged Friday with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with allegations that he fraudulently obtained more than $1.5 million in COVID-19-related small business loans and diverted the proceeds for personal and campaign purposes. According to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, DePeña, 61, who was elect…
Massachusetts Mayor Charged With COVID Loan Fraud
Lawrence, Mass., just saw its mayor taken into federal custody, WBUR reports. Brian DePeña was arrested Friday and charged with wire fraud and money laundering, accused of diverting more than $1.6 million in COVID-era small business loans meant for his tire and auto shop to cover political spending, IRS...
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