Alcalde de Massachusetts arrestado: Acusado de robar millones en ayuda COVID
Mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts Arrested for Alleged Pandemic Loan Fraud
What Happened?
The mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts — Brian DePena — was arrested on Friday. Federal prosecutors say he lied to get a $1.5 million government loan meant to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of using the money for his tire business, he allegedly spent it on personal debts and his own election campaign.
The Charges Explained Simply
Important: These are allegations. DePena has not been found guilty yet. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
DePena faces two federal charges:
| Charge | What It Means (In Plain English) | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud | Using electronic communications (like email, phone, or internet) to carry out a scheme to steal money | Up to 20 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine |
| Money Laundering | Moving illegally obtained money around to make it look legal or hide where it came from | Up to 10 years in prison, 3 years supervised release, $250,000 fine |
How the Scheme Allegedly Worked
Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of what prosecutors say happened:
-
2020 — DePena applied for a $150,000 disaster loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for his business, Tenares Tire Services Inc., claiming pandemic-related losses.
-
2021 — His mayoral campaign was running low on cash. He also owed back taxes and had high-interest mortgages on several properties in Lawrence.
-
Mid-2021 — DePena requested multiple increases to his original loan, eventually securing $1.5 million total.
- Alleged misuse of funds:
- ~$880,000 → Paid off high-interest mortgages on his personal properties
- $90,000 → Funneled into his mayoral campaign fund before the 2021 election
- The rest → Other personal expenses not related to the tire business
Who Is Brian DePena?
- Age: 61
- Position: Mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts (since 2021)
- Previous role: Member of the Lawrence City Council
- Citizenship: Dual citizen of the United States and the Dominican Republic
- Business: Owner of Tenares Tire Services Inc., a tire and auto repair shop in Lawrence
What the FBI Had to Say
Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division, said:
"DePena took advantage of a public health crisis and blatantly defrauded a government program designed to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic. When elected officials misuse federal funds for personal gain, they betray the trust of their constituents and break the law. The FBI will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone who defrauds the federal government."
What Happens Next?
- First court appearance — DePena appeared in federal court in Boston on Friday afternoon.
- Released on conditions — He was allowed to go home but must:
- Surrender his passport
- Not apply for any loans without court approval
- Follow other standard release conditions
- Legal representation — His attorney, Carlos Apostle, declined to comment ("no comment" to all questions).
- DePena’s response — When asked if he would resign, he said only: "God bless you." No further comments.
Why This Matters
Key Takeaway: The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and EIDL (Economic Injury Disaster Loans) were created to help real small businesses keep employees paid and doors open during COVID-19. When officials allegedly steal from these programs, it means:
- Less money for honest businesses that needed help
- Broken public trust in government
- Taxpayer dollars wasted on personal gain instead of pandemic relief
Summary
- Mayor Brian DePena of Lawrence, MA, was arrested Friday.
- He’s accused of fraudulently obtaining a $1.5M pandemic relief loan for his tire business.
- Prosecutors say he used $880K+ to pay personal mortgages and $90K for his campaign.
- He faces wire fraud (up to 20 years) and money laundering (up to 10 years) charges.
- He’s been released with conditions (surrendered passport, no new loans without permission).
- The case highlights ongoing efforts to prosecute pandemic fraud — billions were stolen nationwide.
FAQ
What is an EIDL loan?
EIDL stands for Economic Injury Disaster Loan. It’s a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses hurt by disasters — including the COVID-19 pandemic. The money must be used for business expenses like payroll, rent, and utilities.
What is wire fraud?
Wire fraud is a federal crime where someone uses electronic communications (phone, email, internet, bank transfers) to carry out a scheme to steal money or property. It’s one of the most common charges in financial crime cases.
Can DePena stay mayor while this case goes on?
Yes, for now. Being charged is not the same as being convicted. He hasn’t been removed from office. However, pressure to resign may grow. If convicted, he would likely be forced out.
How common is pandemic loan fraud?
Very common. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged hundreds of people with stealing billions in COVID relief funds. The FBI calls it one of the largest fraud waves in American history.
What happens if he’s found guilty?
He could face up to 30 years total in prison (20 for wire fraud + 10 for money laundering), though sentences are usually lower. He’d also face fines up to $500,000 total and supervised release after prison.
This article is based on an Associated Press report by Michael Casey, translated from Spanish. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.