FBI Arrests Non-English-Speaking Mass. Mayor On Wire Fraud Charges

According to the complaint, DePeña allegedly used portions of the funds to support his mayoral campaign, pay personal tax obligations, and pay down more than $880,000 in high-interest mortgages tied to properties he owned in Lawrence.

Federal prosecutors said the loans were obtained through the Small Business Administration’s pandemic relief programs, which were designed to help businesses affected by COVID-19-related economic losses. Authorities allege the funds were instead used for expenses unrelated to the stated purpose of the loans.

DePeña, 61, was elected mayor of Lawrence in 2021 and won reelection in 2025. Before becoming mayor, he served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 to 2021.

Foley accused DePeña of betraying the trust of Lawrence residents while emphasizing that federal authorities would continue pursuing allegations of fraud involving public funds, regardless of the defendant’s position.

DePeña appeared in federal court Friday and was released under conditions, including surrendering his passport and restrictions on seeking new loans without court approval. He has not entered a plea.

If convicted, he faces up to 30 years in prison.