Brian DePeña claims the accusations against him are politically motivated.

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña has publicly denied allegations of wire fraud and money laundering brought against him last Friday. The charges stem from accusations that the mayor engaged in the misuse of small business loans intended for pandemic relief during the COVID-19 crisis.

In response to the legal developments, DePeña has characterized the accusations as politically motivated. The case remains focused on the alleged improper handling of federal financial assistance programs.