Law and Government

Massachusetts Mayor Charged In Alleged $1,500,000 Pandemic-Era Loan Fraud And Money Laundering Scheme

By Ireland Owens

The Democratic mayor of Lawrence, Mass. has been arrested and faces charges for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $1.5 million in pandemic-era small-business loans and misusing the money, the Department of Justice said Friday.

Brian DePeña, 61, was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering and is set to make an initial appearance in a Boston federal court on Friday, the DOJ said in a news release. DePeña used the funds from the pandemic relief loans to fund his campaign account, pay personal taxes, and pay off more than $880,000 in high-interest mortgages, the department alleges. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: DOJ Uncovers $350 Million In Alleged Fraud)

“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 said in a statement. “Today’s arrest is just another example of our determination to root out fraud by anyone, even public officials and holding elected officials accountable.”

In 2020 and 2021, DePeña applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for Tenares Tire Services Inc., a Lawrence-based tire sales and automotive services business that he owned, the DOJ alleged, citing charging documents. The EIDL program provided loans and advances aiming to “help businesses recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic,” according to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Working capital did not include financing a political campaign, paying personal taxes, or paying off mortgages, according to the DOJ.

DePeña’s office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

“Today’s arrest highlights [IRS Criminal Investigation’s (CI)] continued commitment to safeguarding emergency relief programs and holding accountable those who abuse them,” Special Agent in Charge of the IRS CI’s Boston Field Office Thomas Demeo said in a statement. “CARES Act funds were created to help small businesses survive an unprecedented national crisis — not to bankroll personal debts, political ambitions, or real estate ventures.”

“IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, pursuing those who exploit federal relief funds, and ensuring that financial integrity is upheld at every step,” Demeo added.

When asked whether DePeña intends to step down from his role while leaving the court on Friday, DePeña’s attorney replied: “No, he’s done a great job in Lawrence,” WCVB reported.

Friday’s announcement comes after a slate of pandemic-era relief programs have commonly been targeted by fraudsters, some experts previously told the Daily Caller.

Related Articles

184 Comments

  1. I not to mention my pals have been examining the excellent tricks found on the blog then all of the sudden I had a horrible feeling I never thanked the blog owner for them. The women appeared to be certainly excited to see them and now have unquestionably been using them. Thanks for getting indeed helpful and then for opting for this sort of exceptional things most people are really eager to understand about. Our honest regret for not expressing gratitude to sooner.

  2. Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Sorry for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  3. I used to be very happy to find this web-site.I wished to thanks on your time for this glorious read!! I positively enjoying each little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.

  4. Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in internet explorer, would check this… IE still is the market leader and a good portion of people will miss your great writing due to this problem.

  5. The subsequent time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my choice to learn, however I actually thought youd have one thing attention-grabbing to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about one thing that you could possibly repair when you werent too busy in search of attention.

  6. I delight in, cause I found exactly what I used to be taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye

  7. I’ve recently started a web site, the information you provide on this web site has helped me tremendously. Thank you for all of your time & work.

  8. Hey, you used to write great, but the last few posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your tremendous writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  9. Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my good old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Hi my loved one! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with approximately all vital infos. I would like to peer extra posts like this .

  11. Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!

  12. It is truly a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  13. I think that is among the so much important info for me. And i am happy reading your article. But should commentary on few general issues, The site style is perfect, the articles is actually great :D. Excellent process, cheers

  14. I and also my guys were actually examining the excellent guidelines on your web site and instantly I got an awful suspicion I never thanked you for them. All of the men are actually consequently happy to see them and already have seriously been enjoying these things. Many thanks for getting so considerate and for settling on this kind of wonderful things most people are really desirous to know about. My very own honest regret for not expressing appreciation to you earlier.

  15. Good day! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog. Is it difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? Thank you

  16. Thanks for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research on this. We got a grab a book from our local library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I am very glad to see such great information being shared freely out there.

  17. Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this particular info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  18. It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read even more things about it!

  19. whoah this blog is excellent i love reading your posts. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this info, you can help them greatly.

  20. Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice article.

  21. Hi there, I found your blog by means of Google at the same time as looking for a comparable matter, your site came up, it appears great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  22. Hello There. I found your weblog the use of msn. That is a really neatly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your helpful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.

  23. I love what you guys tend to be up too. This sort of clever work and exposure! Keep up the great works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.

  24. At this time it seems like Movable Type is the best blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

  25. Just wish to say your article is as amazing. The clarity in your post is simply spectacular and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

  26. Hey there! I’m at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the fantastic work!

  27. Along with the whole thing that appears to be building inside this particular subject material, all your points of view happen to be quite stimulating. Having said that, I am sorry, but I can not subscribe to your whole strategy, all be it stimulating none the less. It would seem to everyone that your opinions are actually not totally validated and in simple fact you are generally your self not even fully certain of your argument. In any event I did appreciate looking at it.

  28. Hey, you used to write magnificent, but the last few posts have been kinda boring… I miss your super writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!

  29. There are actually a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That may be a nice point to deliver up. I provide the ideas above as normal inspiration but clearly there are questions just like the one you bring up the place the most important thing will probably be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged around issues like that, but I am certain that your job is clearly recognized as a good game. Each boys and girls really feel the affect of just a moment’s pleasure, for the rest of their lives.

  30. you’re really a good webmaster. The site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a great job on this topic!

  31. Howdy! Someone in my Myspace group shared this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Excellent blog and amazing design.

  32. Hello there! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this article to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

  33. Thank you, I’ve just been searching for information approximately this topic for a while and yours is the greatest I have came upon till now. However, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

  34. It’s really a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  35. I liked up to you will obtain performed right here. The caricature is tasteful, your authored material stylish. however, you command get bought an nervousness over that you want be delivering the following. sick surely come further previously again since precisely the similar nearly very regularly within case you shield this increase.

  36. Thanks for another magnificent post. The place else may just anyone get that type of info in such an ideal means of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.

  37. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  38. I’ll immediately grasp your rss as I can’t find your email subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me understand so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  39. Greetings I am so excited I found your website, I really found you by accident, while I was searching on Askjeeve for something else, Regardless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the awesome work.

  40. I’m typically to running a blog and i actually recognize your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and preserve checking for new information.

  41. It’s in point of fact a great and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  42. Hey very cool blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds additionally?KI’m glad to search out so many useful information right here within the submit, we want work out extra techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  43. You can definitely see your enthusiasm within the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.

  44. Some truly fantastic content on this web site, thanks for contribution. “An alcoholic is someone you don’t like who drinks as much as you do.” by Dylan Thomas.

  45. I have been exploring for a bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this site. Studying this info So i’m glad to convey that I have an incredibly good uncanny feeling I found out exactly what I needed. I so much undoubtedly will make certain to don’t omit this site and provides it a glance regularly.

  46. What i do not realize is in truth how you’re now not really much more neatly-appreciated than you might be right now. You’re very intelligent. You already know thus significantly in the case of this subject, produced me individually imagine it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be interested except it is something to do with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. All the time maintain it up!

  47. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything like this before. So good to seek out anyone with some authentic ideas on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the net, somebody with slightly originality. useful job for bringing something new to the internet!

  48. Nice post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I am inspired! Very useful information specially the final phase 🙂 I take care of such info much. I used to be looking for this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck.

  49. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the web the easiest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as well as defined out the whole thing without having side-effects , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

  50. You could certainly see your skills in the paintings you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart. “The most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it.” by Michel de Montaigne.

  51. Its like you learn my mind! You appear to know so much about this, such as you wrote the guide in it or something. I feel that you just could do with a few p.c. to pressure the message home a little bit, but other than that, this is magnificent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll certainly be back.

  52. I simply couldn’t go away your web site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the usual info a person supply on your guests? Is gonna be back frequently to investigate cross-check new posts.

  53. Hey, you used to write wonderful, but the last several posts have been kinda boring… I miss your great writings. Past few posts are just a bit out of track! come on!

  54. We are a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your web site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be thankful to you.

  55. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your site. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme? Excellent work!

  56. I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a nice blog like this one these days..

  57. I think this is one of the most significant information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really great :D. Good job, cheers

  58. What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively helpful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to contribute & help other users like its helped me. Good job.

  59. Hey there! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Appreciate it!

  60. Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your website is very cool. I’m impressed by the details that you’ve on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the info I already searched everywhere and simply couldn’t come across. What an ideal site.

  61. Thanks so much for providing individuals with remarkably nice chance to read critical reviews from here. It is often very fantastic plus full of amusement for me and my office mates to search your website minimum 3 times in one week to find out the newest secrets you will have. And lastly, we’re actually amazed with all the striking thoughts you give. Some 2 tips in this post are unequivocally the most efficient we have all had.

  62. hi!,I really like your writing so so much! percentage we keep in touch extra about your article on AOL? I require a specialist in this area to solve my problem. May be that’s you! Looking forward to look you.

  63. Howdy! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  64. of course like your web-site however you need to test the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very bothersome to tell the reality nevertheless I will definitely come back again.

  65. I’m truly enjoying the design and layout of your blog. It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a designer to create your theme? Fantastic work!

  66. great submit, very informative. I wonder why the other experts of this sector don’t understand this. You should continue your writing. I’m confident, you’ve a huge readers’ base already!

  67. I am really loving the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any web browser compatibility issues? A couple of my blog visitors have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any advice to help fix this problem?

  68. Have you ever thought about creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would appreciate your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.

  69. Hello! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!

  70. I’m writing to let you be aware of of the impressive encounter our daughter found checking your web site. She learned several details, most notably how it is like to have a wonderful helping mindset to get other people without hassle completely grasp some grueling things. You actually exceeded readers’ desires. Thanks for delivering those important, healthy, educational and also cool tips about that topic to Sandra.

  71. I’d have to examine with you here. Which is not one thing I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a post that may make folks think. Additionally, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  72. I am very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.

  73. Hiya very nice blog!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Superb .. I will bookmark your site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to seek out numerous helpful info right here in the post, we need work out more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing.

  74. I happen to be commenting to make you know of the outstanding experience my friend’s princess obtained using yuor web blog. She mastered a good number of issues, including what it’s like to have a very effective teaching style to let many others easily learn a variety of grueling things. You truly exceeded my expectations. Thank you for rendering such precious, safe, explanatory and cool tips about your topic to Janet.

  75. I have been browsing on-line greater than three hours nowadays, but I by no means found any fascinating article like yours. It is pretty price enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the internet shall be much more useful than ever before.

  76. I’m really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog audience have complained about my blog not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any recommendations to help fix this problem?

  77. Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with? I’m going to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a hard time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  78. Thanks for your personal marvelous posting! I certainly enjoyed reading it, you are a great author.I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will eventually come back at some point. I want to encourage yourself to continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!

  79. What i don’t understood is actually how you are not actually much more well-liked than you may be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize thus considerably relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs nice. Always maintain it up!

  80. As I web site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your efforts. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

  81. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specifically the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  82. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little bit analysis on this. And he in actual fact bought me breakfast as a result of I discovered it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! However yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If possible, as you turn into expertise, would you thoughts updating your weblog with extra details? It is extremely helpful for me. Massive thumb up for this blog put up!

  83. Hey there just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers and both show the same outcome.

  84. I will immediately snatch your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly allow me recognise so that I may just subscribe. Thanks.

  85. Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for inexperienced blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.

  86. Hey there would you mind stating which blog platform you’re working with? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique. P.S My apologies for getting off-topic but I had to ask!

  87. Hey there just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same results.

  88. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  89. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently. I’m quite sure I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  90. Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!

  91. Appreciate it for helping out, excellent information. “Our individual lives cannot, generally, be works of art unless the social order is also.” by Charles Horton Cooley.

  92. Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog. Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Thanks

  93. Whats up very nice site!! Guy .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your website and take the feeds also?KI am glad to find so many useful info right here within the submit, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  94. Hi there, I discovered your website by way of Google whilst searching for a comparable matter, your web site came up, it seems great. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  95. Whats up are using WordPress for your site platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button
Sponsored
Our Privacy Policy has been updated to support the latest regulations.Click to learn more.×