Massachusetts mayor arrested for allegedly ripping off $1.5M in COVID funds
The mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was arrested and charged with misusing COVID-19 relief funds meant for small businesses. According to authorities, he allegedly diverted over $1.5 million to personal uses, including campaign expenses, taxes, and property mortgages. He faces wire fraud and money laundering charges.
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National story. 16 articles from 11 sources. Updated Aug 16, 2026.
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2 sourcesLawrence mayor’s arrest a ‘step back’ for a city with a long history of political scandal
Lawrence mayor arrested on federal charges of wire fraud, money laundering
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4 sourcesLawrence Mayor Brian DePena arrested by FBI on wire fraud, money laundering charges
Lawrence mayor charged with money laundering, his lawyer crashes into parked car after arraignment
Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña arrested by FBI on wire fraud, money laundering charges
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5 sourcesMassachusetts Democrat Mayor Arrested, Charged with Wire Fraud in $1.5 Million in COVID Relief Scam…
Massachusetts mayor arrested for allegedly ripping off $1.5M in COVID funds
The story so far
2 developments- Aug 14Lawrence Mayor Brian DePena arrested by FBI on wire fraud, money laundering charges
- Aug 14Massachusetts mayor charged in $1.5M COVID loan fraud
Who covered each development
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Quiet for 64 daysLast development · Aug 14 — Massachusetts mayor charged in $1.5M COVID loan fraud