Brian DePeña claims the accusations against him are politically motivated.

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña has publicly stated that the criminal charges announced against him are political in nature. The accusations, made public last Friday, include wire fraud and money laundering related to the alleged misuse of COVID-19 small business relief loans.

DePeña, who is of Dominican descent and serves as the mayor of Lawrence, denies wrongdoing regarding the pandemic-era financial assistance. The federal or state allegations focus on the improper handling or application of funds designated to support small businesses during the public health crisis.