Lawrence Mayor Charged in $1.5 Million COVID Relief Fraud Case
Lawrence, MA Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested on federal charges alleging he misused more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans for his tire business, his campaign, and personal debts; a viral clip showed his lawyer saying he doesn’t speak English when pressed for comment, and a separate video captured a car crash after leaving the arraignment.