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

Video of his appearance has left more questions than answers, as a chaotic scene appeared to unfold outside the courtroom.

According to eyewitnesses and video, a vehicle carrying DePena appeared to run into the rear of another vehicle, before backing up and then eventually leaving the scene – which is a crime in most jurisdictions.

Asked by Telemundo Nueva Inglaterra what message he had for the people of Lawrence, DePeña said in Spanish, “I love them, and they know I am an honest and decent man.”

Also, other reports claimed that the mayor, bizarrely, cannot speak any English.

The mayor has denied wrongdoing and indicated he does not intend to step down while the case proceeds.

“Of course. Anyone can be accused. People get accused of anything,” DePena told Telemundo.

“My enemies have accused me. What haven’t they made up about me?”

The charges come as federal investigators continue to pursue alleged misuse of pandemic relief programs, which distributed hundreds of billions of dollars nationwide and have resulted in numerous fraud prosecutions involving individuals, businesses, and public officials.