Lawrence Mayor Arrested for COVID-19 Relief Fraud

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, arrested for fraud, gained attention online after his lawyer claimed he does not speak English. This statement came as reporters questioned his arrest for allegedly misusing over $1.5 million in Economic Injury Disaster Loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides these loans under the CARES Act to support struggling businesses.

DePeña’s lawyer stated, “He doesn’t speak English. No comment.” Video clips of DePeña smiling and saying, “God bless you” circulated widely on social media, leading to public criticism about his ability to speak English.

“English fluency should be a basic prerequisite for holding public office,” journalist Miranda Devine shared online.

Federal charges allege that DePeña diverted relief funds intended for Tenares Tire Services Inc., his business in Lawrence, to finance his campaign and settle personal debts. Conservative personalities criticized the situation, questioning his qualifications for office.

After the media interaction, a video surfaced allegedly showing DePeña’s car colliding with a parked vehicle as he tried to leave. Mayor DePeña, originally from the Dominican Republic, became a U.S. citizen after initially arriving undocumented. He was elected as Lawrence’s mayor in 2021 and re-elected in 2025 after serving on the city council since 2016.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley remarked, “Mayor DePeña was elected to be a leader for Lawrence but betrayed the trust of his constituents through alleged corruption and lies.” If found guilty, DePeña may face a maximum sentence of 30 years. Attempts to contact DePeña’s lawyer for further comments remain unanswered.