Overview
- Federal agents arrested DePeña on Friday after charging documents filed in U.S. District Court in Boston accused him of wire fraud and money laundering tied to Economic Injury Disaster Loans.
- Prosecutors allege the SBA EIDLs for Tenares Tire Services totaled about $1.65 million after modifications, and that roughly $85,000 went to the IRS, more than $880,000 to pay hard‑money mortgages, and at least $130,000 toward his campaign.
- The complaint cites bank records and translated text messages in which DePeña pleaded for help obtaining loan increases while under severe financial pressure.
- DePeña made an initial federal court appearance and was released under conditions that include surrendering his passport, staying in the state, and restrictions on taking new loans without court approval.
- The case involves the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigation, follows earlier state probes of Lawrence City Hall, and could affect local governance while the criminal and parallel investigations proceed.