Lawrence, Mass. – City Council members are preparing to vote on a no‑confidence resolution for Mayor Brian DePeña after the mayor was arraigned on fourteen state wiretapping counts and a federal fraud indictment. The council subcommittee recommended the measure Tuesday night, and the full council will decide on Oct. 20.
Charges and arraignment
DePeña appeared in Essex Superior Court on Tuesday, pleading not guilty to fourteen counts of illegal wiretapping and one count of witness intimidation. He was released on personal recognizance. Federal prosecutors also allege wire fraud and money laundering related to a pandemic‑relief loan that the mayor allegedly used to fund his campaign and pay personal expenses.
Council response
Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez said, “Brian DePeña has failed the city of Lawrence when it comes to his leadership, and based on that, the City Council will make a determination next Tuesday.” Council Vice President Ana Levy added, “We support the process that is happening right now, but we have to take care of the city.” When asked if DePeña can still perform his duties, Levy replied, “Yes, and no,” reflecting the council’s mixed view.
Recall effort underway
Because a no‑confidence vote is symbolic, the only legal path to remove the mayor is a recall. Organizers must collect 7,000 signatures within 30 days. Recall leader Sarah Perez warned, “Any regular person with a good feeling for the city would have resigned. The only option we have legally is a recall.”
Mayor’s defense
DePeña’s attorney, Neil Faigel, told reporters outside court that the mayor had no knowledge of how the private cameras operated, stating, “In no way shape or form did the mayor have any knowledge as to how the videos worked. He did not have passcodes to the videos and he could not access them.” A status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.
Background on the allegations
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office said the mayor installed a separate security system in his office in 2023 that recorded audio, a capability not disclosed to the public. The system allegedly captured a March conversation between two city employees, which DePeña is accused of distributing to fourteen individuals. Prosecutors also allege that the mayor used a pandemic loan to pay high‑interest mortgages and personal taxes.
Comparison to prior cases
The situation mirrors the 2019 recall of former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia, who also refused to resign while facing criminal charges. Correia was ultimately recalled, though he briefly won a write‑in election to replace himself.
What’s next?
The council’s full vote on the no‑confidence resolution will occur on Oct. 20. If passed, it will add political pressure but will not remove DePeña from office. The recall petition must meet its signature deadline to trigger a ballot. Meanwhile, the mayor’s legal battles continue, with a Dec. 9 status hearing set to address the state charges.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
