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Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña arrested for alleged COVID relief fraud
Fox News • • nation
Key Points:
- Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña was arrested for allegedly misusing over $1.5 million in COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans, a federal relief program designed to help struggling businesses during the pandemic.
- During a media interaction, DePeña's lawyer stated the mayor "doesn’t speak English," which sparked widespread criticism and social media backlash questioning his ability to serve as an elected official.
- DePeña, originally from the Dominican Republic, was elected mayor in 2021 and re-elected in 2025, previously serving on the city council; he has acknowledged having been an undocumented immigrant before becoming a U.S. citizen.
- U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley condemned DePeña's alleged corruption, emphasizing the commitment to hold public officials accountable, with DePeña facing up to 30 years in prison if convicted.
- The incident also included reports of DePeña crashing his car while attempting to leave the scene, adding to the controversy surrounding the case.
