Massachusetts mayor accused of using pandemic loan to fund election campaign and pay his taxes

Federal prosecutors say Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePena fraudulently obtained more than $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans. Authorities allege he used the money to support his election campaign, pay personal taxes, and settle debts including high-interest, hard-money mortgages tied to properties he owned in Lawrence. DePena was arrested and charged, and he appeared in federal court in Boston for an initial appearance. Prosecutors say the case involves pandemic-era lending that was intended to help businesses during the crisis.