Brian DePeña claims the accusations against him are politically motivated.

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña is facing allegations of wire fraud and money laundering. The charges, announced last Friday, stem from accusations that he misused small business loans intended for pandemic relief during the COVID-19 crisis.

In response to the legal proceedings, DePeña has publicly denied the allegations, characterizing the charges against him as politically motivated. The case remains ongoing as authorities investigate the alleged financial irregularities.