Full Breakdown
Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena Arrested on Federal Fraud and Money-Laundering Charges
8/15/2026, 3:58:20 AM
Core Event
FBI agents arrested Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePena at his home. He was charged with one count each of wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly misusing more than $1.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) intended for his tire-service business, Tenares Tire Services Inc.
Background & Context
The EIDL program, run by the U.S. Small Business Administration under the CARES Act, provided low-interest loans to businesses hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loans were limited to working-capital needs and could not be used for personal debts, political campaigns, or real-estate purchases.
- May 4 2020 – DePena filed the initial EIDL application.
- June 17 2020 – SBA disbursed a $150,000 loan.
- July 14 2021 – Modification added $350,000, bringing the total to $500,000.
- October 27 2021 – Further increase raised the cumulative loan amount to roughly $1.65 million.
Data & Statistics
- Alleged misuse: > $1.5 million.
- Key allocations: $85,000 to personal IRS taxes, about $42,000 to the mayoral campaign, and $883,000 to pay off high-interest mortgages on Lawrence properties.
- Loan balance as of early August 2026: about $1.65 million, with only $130,160 paid toward accrued interest.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. FBI Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks warned that “when elected officials misuse federal funds for personal gain, they’re breaking the trust of their constituents — and breaking the law.” IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent Thomas Demeo emphasized that CARES Act funds were meant to help businesses survive, not to finance personal debts or political ambitions. DePena’s lawyer Carlos Apostle declined to comment on the allegations and asserted that the mayor had “done a great job” for Lawrence.
On-the-Ground Reports
NBC10 Boston captured agents announcing the arrest with a bullhorn, then handcuffing DePena and escorting him to a vehicle. Lawrence resident Elvin Gomez described the scene as “shocking,” noting that the mayor had been a longtime neighbor.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — U.S. Attorney Leah Foley
- “When elected officials misuse federal funds for personal gain, they’re breaking the trust of their constituents — and breaking the law,” — Ted Docks
What’s Next
DePena’s first appearance in Boston federal court is expected later this month. He was released on conditions that require surrendering his passport, remaining in Massachusetts, and refraining from seeking additional loans without court approval. Conviction on the wire-fraud count could bring up to 20 years in prison; the money-laundering count carries a maximum of 10 years, plus supervised release and fines.
