Massachusetts mayor accused of using a pandemic loan to fund election campaign and pay his taxes
Summary
Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePena was arrested for allegedly misusing a $1.5 million COVID-19 pandemic loan. He is accused of using the money to pay off personal debts and fund his election campaign instead of his tire business.Key Facts
- Mayor Brian DePena was charged with wire fraud and money laundering.
- He obtained a $1.5 million COVID-19 small-business loan for his tire sales business.
- Instead of using the loan for the business, he spent over $880,000 paying off mortgages on his properties.
- He also put $90,000 into his mayoral campaign fund before the 2021 election.
- DePena became mayor in 2021 and was previously on the city council.
- If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud and 10 years for money laundering.
- The FBI criticized DePena for misusing government funds meant to help businesses during the pandemic.
- DePena and his team did not respond to requests for comment.
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