⏱ 2 min read
Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian Depena, 61, has been arrested and charged with pandemic loan fraud and money laundering. Depena allegedly defrauded over $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans to fund his campaign account, pay personal taxes, and pay off high-interest mortgages on properties he owned in Lawrence. The arrest occurred on the same day he was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
Depena, who was elected as Mayor of Lawrence in November 2021 and reelected in November 2025, is accused of betraying the trust of his constituents through his alleged corruption and lies. According to United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Depena’s actions are a prime example of the determination to root out fraud by anyone, including public officials.
The investigation, led by the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, found that Depena used the CARES Act funds to bankroll personal debts, political ambitions, and real estate ventures. Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, stated that the arrest highlights the commitment to safeguarding emergency relief programs and holding accountable those who abuse them.
Depena will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. The case serves as a reminder that public officials will be held accountable for their actions, and that the misuse of federal relief funds will not be tolerated.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: Massachusetts
- Location: MA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption