# Legal proceedings against Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/legal-proceedings-against-lawrence-mayor-brian-depea > Updated: 2026-08-16T21:14:29.000Z. Sources: 38. Developments: 2. Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested by the FBI on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Prosecutors allege that DePeña used his business, Tenares Tire Services Inc., to fraudulently obtain over $1.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Justice claims the funds were diverted to personal expenses, including paying off $880,000 in high-interest mortgages, settling IRS tax debts, and funding his 2021 mayoral campaign. Following an initial appearance in a Boston federal court, DePeña was released without bond under conditions that include surrendering his passport and remaining in Massachusetts. DePeña has denied the allegations, claiming the charges are politically motivated by ‘enemies’. He described himself as an ‘honest and decent’ man and has indicated his intention to continue serving as mayor despite the legal proceedings. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-16: Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña charged with pandemic loan fraud Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña faces federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly diverting $1.5 million in pandemic business loans to pay personal debts and fund his political campaign. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawrence-mayor-brian-depea-claims-fraud-charges-are-political ### 2026-08-14: Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña arrested for alleged $1.5M pandemic loan fraud Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña has been arrested on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering for allegedly misusing over $1.5 million in pandemic-era small business loans for personal and campaign use. 33 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lawrence-mayor-brian-depena-arrested-for-wire-fraud-and-money-laundering --- Cite as: Legal proceedings against Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/legal-proceedings-against-lawrence-mayor-brian-depea