Mayor Brian DePeña Arrested on Federal Fraud, Money Laundering Charges

Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested by the FBI on Friday, Aug. 14, on federal wire fraud and money laundering charges, with prosecutors alleging he fraudulently obtained more than $1.5 million in COVID-19 small-business loans, according to CBS News and NBC Boston. The Washington Times reported some of the money was steered toward DePeña's political operation.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePeña arrested on wire fraud and money laundering charges." Federal prosecutors say DePeña obtained more than $1.5 million in pandemic-era small-business loan funds through fraud, per CBS News Boston. (read it at https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/lawrence-mayor-brian-depena-arrested/)

"Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña arrested by FBI on wire fraud, money laundering charges." DePeña was taken into custody Friday and is accused of fraudulently securing more than $1.5 million in COVID small-business loan money, NBC Boston reports. (read it at https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/lawrence-mayor-brian-depena-arrested-on-wire-fraud-money-laundering-charges/3997769/)

"Massachusetts mayor charged with stealing pandemic money." Prosecutors allege DePeña diverted pandemic assistance funds to support his political operation, according to the Washington Times' account of the federal complaint. (read it at https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/14/brian-depena-lawrence-massachusetts-mayor-charged-stealing-pandemic/)

"Lawrence mayor was no stranger to controversy before FBI arrest." A separate NBC Boston report notes DePeña's tenure had already drawn scrutiny well before Friday's federal charges arrived. (read it at https://www.nbcboston.com/investigations/black-eye-for-the-city-lawrence-mayor-was-no-stranger-to-controversy-before-fbi-arrest/3998219/?amp=1)

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.