FBI arrests Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña on fraud and money laundering charges

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FBI agents arrested Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePeña on August 14, 2026, on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. The arrest stems from an investigation into COVID-19 pandemic relief loans, with authorities alleging DePeña fraudulently obtained over $1.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for his tire business, Tenares Tire Services Inc., and diverted the funds for personal and political use . DePeña, a Dominican-born immigrant who rose from undocumented migrant to mayor, appeared in Boston federal court on Friday, where he waived his preliminary hearing and did not enter a plea . He was released without bail but must surrender his passport, remain in Massachusetts, and avoid contact with witnesses .

The allegations

Prosecutors allege DePeña obtained an initial $150,000 loan in 2020, then increased it to $500,000 in 2021, and ultimately to approximately $1.65 million . The criminal complaint states he transferred about $1.15 million from the business account to a personal account, using funds for:

$85,000 in personal tax obligations
$132,000 in contributions to his mayoral campaign
$883,293 to pay off high-interest loans secured by his properties

FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks accused DePeña of "taking advantage of a public health crisis and brazenly defrauding a government program" .

The response

DePeña has denied wrongdoing, attributing the charges to political motivations. When asked if he could continue as mayor, he said, "Of course. Anyone can be accused... What haven't your enemies invented?" . He has not announced resignation and plans to resume his duties on Monday . His legal team is expected to issue an official statement next week . If convicted, he faces up to 20 years for wire fraud and 10 years for money laundering .

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