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Legal proceedings and no-confidence vote against Mayor DePeń

Updated 1 time since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-10-01 18:22 UTC → 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC · added removed

Legal proceedings and no-confidence vote against Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña DePeń

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña is facing multiple continues to face significant legal challenges at both the state and federal levels. political challenges. State prosecutors in Massachusetts have charged DePeña expanded their case, with illegal surveillance DePeña now facing 15 state charges, including 14 counts of distribution of a wiretapped communication and one count of witness intimidation. The These charges stem from allegations involve the use of that he used a private surveillance system in his office that was capable of capturing audio, which was reportedly used to secretly record a conversation between a former Chief of Staff city employees and a municipal airport official. DePeña is accused of distributing these recordings to at least 14 people. In addition to these state charges, subsequently distributed those recordings. Simultaneously, DePeña faces 11 federal charges related to fraud and indictments for money laundering. laundering and fraud. Prosecutors allege he misused over more than $1.5 million in pandemic-era Economic Injury Disaster Loans to fund personal expenses and his political campaign campaign. In response to these legal developments, the Lawrence City Council passed a no-confidence resolution against the mayor. The vote, which passed with five councilors in favor and personal expenses. Despite one opposed, serves as a formal political statement; however, the mounting council does not possess the legal pressure, authority to remove him from office. Despite the no-confidence vote and increasing calls for a recall election, DePeña has announced refused to resign. He has maintained his intention to remain in office. In a statement, he asserted, fulfill his term, stating, “I was elected to serve the people of this City, and I intend to continue fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to me.” He has pleaded not guilty is scheduled to the federal charges. return to state court in December.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-21 17:52 UTC Legal proceedings and no-confidence vote against Mayor DePeń
  2. 2026-10-01 18:22 UTC Legal proceedings against Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña

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