Politics
Two Massachusetts officials face federal charges in alleged COVID-19 relief fraud
Federal authorities charged State Rep. Francisco Paulino and Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña in separate money laundering and pandemic loan schemes.
The short version
- Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino was arrested and charged with 11 counts related to unemployment fraud, loan fraud, and money laundering.
- The charges follow the earlier arrest of Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña, who faces a separate 11-count federal indictment over public fund diversion.
- Federal prosecutors allege Paulino fraudulently obtained over $700,000 in pandemic funds for personal expenses, campaign use, and high-interest lending.
- Both cases remain under federal prosecution in U.S. District Court.
Key facts
- U.S. Attorney Leah Foley announced federal indictments against Massachusetts State Rep. Francisco Paulino and Lawrence Mayor Brian DePeña.[Fox News]
- Paulino faces an 11-count indictment alleging he fraudulently sought over $700,000 in federal pandemic relief starting in 2020 using the identity of a 77-year-old relative.[Fox News]
- Prosecutors allege Paulino directed relief funds toward real estate, loan payments, campaign transfers, and high-interest loans to third parties.[Fox News]
- Lawrence Mayor DePeña was arrested earlier in the month on an 11-count indictment charging pandemic loan fraud and money laundering dating back to his tenure on the city council in 2020.[Fox News]
What remains uncertain
- The full extent of the financial diversions and the defense arguments for Paulino and DePeña have not yet been presented in court proceedings.[Fox News]