Mayor of Lawrence, MA, Arrested on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges. 

On Friday, the mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts, was arrested on fraud and money laundering charges.  According to an AP report, Brian DePena is accused of using a $1.5 million COVID-19 pandemic loan intended for his tire business for personal use. DePena is accused of funneling the money to pay off mortgages on his house and to fund his mayoral campaign.  On Friday, DePena was released on bail on the condition that he surrenders his passport and does not apply for any more loans without approval from the court.  It is unclear what will happen next; however, I have a feeling that there may need to be another mayoral election in Lawrence soon.