LAWRENCE, Mass. — Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, a 61-year-old Democrat, was arrested on Friday after prosecutors accused him of illegally diverting more than $1 million in federal pandemic relief funds for his personal benefit.
DePeña allegedly used the cash to pay off IRS and campaign debts, as well as high-interest loans on properties separate from his tire shop business. He applied for low-interest loans through a program intended for struggling small businesses under his company, Tenares Tire Services Inc., but received over $1.5 million in relief funds. Investigators say he misused approximately $883,000 of that money.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts, DePeña allegedly texted his accountant and financial adviser pleading for urgent assistance: “Brother, call me, I’m in trouble. I don’t want to pressure you, but I don’t have time to wait for this loan.” He also reportedly wrote: “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 stated: “This was emergency financial assistance meant to be a safety net for struggling businesses, not Mr. DePeña’s own personal ATM.”
DePeña, who was first elected mayor in 2021 and re-elected in 2025, faced charges of wire fraud and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley said: “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 did not respond to requests for comment.
