Massachusetts mayor charged in $1.5M COVID relief scheme
By The BriefBrief
Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena was charged with wire fraud and money laundering over alleged misuse of $1.5M in EIDL funds.
WHO:Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena
WHAT:Charged with federal wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly funneling more than $1.5 million in EIDL loan funds to his campaign account, personal taxes, and real estate debts
WHEN:Aug 14, 2026
WHERE:Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA
WHY:The charges allege misuse of Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funds from the COVID-19 relief program.
