Mayor Uses Pandemic Loans for Campaign | Boston News

Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña is facing federal charges for allegedly stealing over $1.5 million in pandemic small business loans meant for his tire shop, using the money to fund his campaign and personal expenses while his business struggled — prosecutors call it cashing in on a public health crisis. Text messages show him pleading for fast access, saying he was “in trouble” and “don’t have time to wait.” This scandal adds to a troubling pattern, as his former chief of staff recently pleaded guilty to child pornography charges. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/88ebe1684e209f5a