Tag: massachusetts

Democrat Massachusetts Mayor Arrested on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges – Used $1.6 Million in Covid Loans as Personal Slush Fund to Pay Off Mortgages

A Democrat Massachusetts mayor was arrested and charged on Friday with fraudulently obtaining over $1.5 million in Covid business loans.

The Mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts, Brian Depena, used the proceeds from Covid small-business loans to fund his campaign, pay his personal taxes and pay off nearly $900,000 in high-interest, hard-money mortgages on his properties, according to the Department of Justice.

According to the charging documents during the pandemic back in 2020 and 2021, Depena applied for a taxpayer-funded Covid-era Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) for his tire business.

The EIDL loans must be used as working capital to provide relief to businesses that suffered economic losses during Covid.

However, Depena used the Covid loans to fund his struggling campaign, pay off two high-interest mortgages, and pay back taxes.

Per the DOJ:

Depena allegedly caused Tenares Tire to apply for and obtain an EIDL in the amount of $150,000 in June 2020 and then used the majority of those funds as working capital for the business. However, according to the charging documents, Depena needed cash by early 2021. It is alleged that his mayoral campaign was struggling to pay bills, he owed the IRS for back taxes and he owed almost $900,000 to two private, hard money lenders who were charging Depena 12% and 8% interest – significantly more than the EIDL rate of 3.75% – on loans that encumbered various properties Depena owned in Lawrence.

In April 2021, Depena allegedly caused a request for an increase of the Tenares Tire EIDL. On July 14, 2021, the SBA approved an increase of the loan by $350,000, bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $500,000. However, the SBA did not release the funds for another month. While waiting, Depena allegedly sent the following texts (originally in Spanish, here translated to English) to his accountant and financial advisor, who had been assisting Depena with the EIDL application and modification.

Keep reading

Teen allegedly slaughtered mom, brother after asking AI to create ‘fantasies’ about murdering family

A teenager allegedly killed his mother and brother after using ChatGPT to create chilling “fantasy stories” about murdering his family, according to police.

Arjun Aravind, 17, is accused of killing his mother Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his brother, Siddharth Aravind, 14, after the two were found slain in their Acton, Mass. home on Tuesday night, according to prosecutors.

The Acton-Boxborough Regional High School student had been demonstrating “concerning behavior” recently before the killings — including using the AI chatbot to create “theoretical ideas or fantasy stories regarding the killing of his family,” Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan said.

Aravind asked ChatGPT to help generate twisted “gothic novel-kind of stories,” Ryan said, according to Boston.com.

Aravind’s mom and brother were found around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after his father contacted police and reported that a tutor had been unable to get inside their house.

He said he had last spoken to his wife earlier that morning before he left for work. Siddharth Aravind was last seen around noon.

Keep reading

Democrat Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Signs Bill Legalizing Abortion Throughout Pregnancy

Democrat Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill on Monday that legalizes abortions in the state throughout the duration of pregnancy.

The bill, called “An Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care” or H.5595, ultimately allows unborn babies to be aborted throughout pregnancy and strikes down the state’s current 24-week limit, which had exceptions for the life of the mother and a deadly fetal diagnosis. Under the bill, doctors have the discretion to decide whether or not to perform a late-term abortion.

“Today, mothers and fathers and families who experience these devastating diagnoses — and they are devastating, heartbreaking — now they’ll be able to make their own choices,” Healey said, according to a WCVB report.

“I promise that no matter what Donald Trump or Republicans in Congress or the Supreme Court does, we’re going to continue to make sure that women and families have access to the health care that they need right here in Massachusetts,” Healey said during the signing ceremony.

Massachusetts joins Alaska, Vermont, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, DC, in allowing unborn babies to be aborted throughout the entire pregnancy.

The bill passed the Democrat-dominated state House and Senate last month. 

“It’s a very sad day in the commonwealth of Massachusetts,” Republican state Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida said at the time. “The precedent that we’re setting is that a mother can get an abortion up until the moment of birth for a healthy, viable baby.” 

SBA Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser mourned the news of the governor’s signature on the radical bill. 

“It should shock the conscience that tens of thousands of unborn Americans are barbarically dismembered limb by limb and torn apart every single year. Sadly, that number will only increase with Gov. Healey’s approval of the Abortion Up Until Birth Bill,” Dannenfelser said in a statement. “The GOP must abandon the ‘leave it to the states’ position — a stance that permits egregious late-term abortion laws like this one — and advance national protections for unborn children. Without a minimum national standard, the United States remains 1 of only 8 countries worldwide that allows abortion at any point in pregnancy. We must do all we can to turn the page on America’s ugly chapter of late-term abortion.”

Keep reading

Massachusetts Senate Passes Bill to Allow Late-Term Abortions, Sends to Governor’s Desk

The Democrat-dominated Massachusetts state Senate passed a late-term abortion bill on Friday and sent it to Gov. Maura Healey’s (D) desk for approval. 

The bill, called “An Act Prioritizing Patient Access to Care” or H.5595, would ultimately allow unborn babies to be aborted throughout pregnancy in the state and would strike down the state’s current 24-week limit, which has exceptions for the life of the mother and a deadly fetal diagnosis. Under the bill, doctors would have the discretion to decide whether or not to perform a late-term abortion, the Washington Post reported. 

“While this legislation prioritizes access, it does not prioritize a woman’s safety,” Myrna Maloney Flynn, president of Massachusetts Citizens for Life, said in a video encouraging supporters to tell lawmakers to vote against the bill. 

If Healey signs the law, Massachusetts will become one of nearly a dozen places in the U.S. that allows abortions throughout pregnancy. Alaska, Vermont, Oregon, New Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, Michigan, Maryland, New Jersey, and Washington, DC, have no gestational limits on abortion, according to Abortion Finder. 

The state House passed the bill last week 119-33. State Rep. Alyson Sullivan-Almeida (R) said after the vote that it was a “very sad day in the commonwealth of Massachusetts.” 

“The precedent that we’re setting is that a mother can get an abortion up until the moment of birth for a healthy, viable baby,” Sullivan-Almeida said.

“This is a significant change to the law to expand what is already an extremely progressive abortion policy in Massachusetts,” state Rep. Joseph McKenna (R) added at the time.

Keep reading

18-Year-Old Woman Found Dead at Home Owned by Democrat Rep Ayanna Pressely’s Husband Was Murdered – Death Ruled a Homicide

The victim found dead at a home owned by Democrat Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s was identified last week as 18-year-old Yoseliani Marte.

Marte was found shot to death on July 18.

On Thursday, the medical examiner ruled the victim’s death a homicide.

As TGP previously reported, a death investigation was underway earlier this month at a home owned by the husband of far-left Democrat Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) after a body was discovered on the property, according to Boston police.

Authorities responded to the Mattapan residence after reports of a deceased individual on the grounds of the property. The home is owned by Pressley’s husband, Conan Harris, Boston Globe first reported.

Harris and Pressley do not reside at the Mattapan property.

The victim’s family revealed that Marte lost her life as a result of domestic violence.

“With shattered hearts, I share the unimaginable loss of my beloved daughter Yoseliani, who tragically lost her life at just 18 years old as a result of domestic violence,” the GoFundMe said.

“No words can truly express the pain of losing someone so young, with so many dreams, hopes, and milestones still ahead of her. Yoseliani was deeply loved by her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched. Her kindness, beautiful spirit, and bright future will never be forgotten,” the GoFundMe said.

“Domestic violence has taken a beautiful young life far too soon. We hope that, through the love and support of this community, my family can find comfort in knowing we are not facing this tragedy alone,” they said.

Boston 25 News reported:

An 18-year-old woman who was found dead inside a home owned by the husband of Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley was murdered, authorities announced Thursday.

Officers responding to the home at 25 Malta Road in the city’s Mattapan neighborhood just before 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, found Yoseliani Ann Marte Ocasio suffering from an apparent gunshot wound, according to the Boston Police Department.

Ocasio was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner officially ruled her death a homicide on Thursday, according to police.

Ocasio’s mother, Elenie Ocasio, previously told Boston 25 News on July 20 that she believed her daughter was the victim of a homicide.

“This coward killed my baby. He put a gun to her head, took my baby in that house and left her to die,” Elenie said.

Keep reading

Massachusetts Lawmakers Create DEI Hiring Program to Give Muslims Priority for State Jobs

Liberal lawmakers in true-blue Massachusetts are creating a new commission which is essentially a DEI hiring program that will benefit Muslims looking for state jobs.

When did it even become the job of lawmakers to do anything like this? And why do it specifically for Muslims? It doesn’t even sound legal.

It’s just another reminder of what comes with one-party rule.

FOX News reports:

DEI hiring boost for one blue state’s Muslim commission initiative flies in face of Trump’s anti-woke push

Massachusetts lawmakers are taking steps toward prioritizing the hiring of American Muslims for state government positions under a permanent so-called Muslim commission.

The group would help recommend Americans who practice Islam to appointed government positions in the New England state at the same time the Trump administration is moving to dismantle such diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs nationwide — teeing-up a standoff between local leaders and the president.

A proposed bill would create a panel of 11 Muslims appointed by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey and other state officials to represent the Islamic faith on issues such as business, economy, healthcare and other concerns.

The Muslim commission would influence government recruiting and, “Identify and recommend qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government, including boards and commissions, as the commission considers necessary and appropriate,” according to language in the bill.

“Massachusetts has always prided itself on being a leader in equality and civil rights, a legacy this bill builds upon,” said Democratic state Sen. Jamie Eldridge, the bill’s primary sponsor.


Keep reading

Mom warns ‘truth will come out’ after daughter, 18, shot dead in congresswoman’s husband’s house

A grieving mother warned that the ‘truth will come out’ after her 18–year–old daughter was found dead inside a Democratic congresswoman’s husband’s seven figure house.

Yoseliani Marte, 18, was found dead by police from a single gunshot wound around 2pm on Saturday at a $1.15 million Boston property owned by progressive Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley’s spouse, Conan Harris. Pressley and Harris do not live at the house.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined that Marte had died from a single gunshot wound, though her manner of death is still being investigated, according to Boston25News.

Marte’s mother, Elenie Ocasio, has insisted that her daughter was not suicidal and instead claimed that she was ‘murdered.’

‘My daughter did not deserve this, and it’s all going to come out to light,’ she told the outlet. ‘Everything’s gonna come out.’

As of Thursday, Boston authorities had not announced any arrests or charges in connection to Marte’s death.

Marte was living at home in Dorchester, the largest neighborhood in Boston, but visiting a boyfriend on the day she died, her family told WCVB.

Ocasio said that she was still in ‘shock’ at her daughter’s death inside the eight–bedroom, four–bathroom house in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood. 

Keep reading

Massachusetts Rep. Seth Moulton Admits Democrats Have No Real Plans for Americans Other Than Being Anti-Trump

Massachusetts Democrat Congressman Seth Moulton had a rare moment of clarity during an appearance on MSNOW earlier this week.

Moulton admitted that his party has no real plan for immigration, or inflation, and most importantly that all they do have is being anti-Trump.

This is the problem that Democrats have had for years now. Trump can do or say anything and you know instantly, that the Democrats will be against it if he is for it.

FOX News reports:

Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., acknowledged Tuesday on MS NOW’s “Money, Power, Politics” that Democrats have failed to give voters a clear immigration plan and rely too heavily on opposition to President Donald Trump, as he discussed the party’s challenges in Arizona’s gubernatorial primary.

“We don’t have a plan for immigration. We’re not able to say what, actually, Democrats should do to fix the problem,” Moulton said. “All we are is opposition to Trump.”

The Massachusetts congressman and U.S. Senate candidate said he had tested voters’ understanding of the party’s position during town halls across his state.

“I’ll ask people, ‘How many of you are opposed to Trump’s immigration enforcement?’ Every hand in the room goes up,” Moulton said, adding, “Like, I’ve asked thousands of people in Massachusetts this question.”

The congressman also faulted Democrats for dismissing other voter concerns, including inflation, during former President Joe Biden’s administration.

“Under Biden, we said inflation is not really a big deal. It’s transitory. It’s going to go away,” Moulton said. “The point is we have this history of kind of just like washing over problems and not addressing real concerns that voters have.”

Keep reading

Rep. Ayanna Presley Asked About Dead Body Found at Husband’s House

Far left Rep. Ayanna Pressley responded on Wednesday to the dead body found at her husband’s house last week, providing few details except that they “didn’t know” the victim. 

Instead, she touted her work advocating for “survivors of all crimes.”

“I’m just really centering the victim right now, and that’s what we all should be doing,” she said.

A Fox News reporter confronted Pressley, asking her for a reaction to the news on Wednesday.

“Well, you know, as the mother to an 18-year-old daughter, right now excitedly planning to take her to college for her freshman year, my heart is very heavy,” she responded.

“I’m devastated for the impacted family. This young girl who we didn’t know, 18 years old, sure had her own plans and dreams that have all been cut short.”

Pressley continued, “And as someone who has done the work, advocated, you know, for accountability and healing for survivors of all crimes, yeah, my heart is heavy. And I’m just really centering the victim right now, and that’s what we all should be doing.”

Pressley then walked away, refusing to answer whether she knew any further details.

Keep reading

Gov. Healey-Endorsed Massachusetts LGBTQ Nonprofit Advertised Paying White Kids Less Than Black and Brown Kids to Model for Photoshoot on the Basis of ‘Racial Equity’

A Framingham, Massachusetts-based LGBTQ youth organization that was endorsed by Governor Maura Healy openly advertised a marketing photoshoot that paid White models less than “people of color” as a “commitment to racial equity.”

The organization, OUT MetroWest Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that describes its mission as building communities where LGBTQ youth “thrive through social, educational, and supportive programming.”

OUT MetroWest, in coordination with Rose Wine Photography, promoted a “Youth Photoshoot 2026” scheduled for August 12 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at its Framingham headquarters.

According to a report from Mass Daily News, the group sought 20 LGBTQ+ youth, pre-K through age 29, for photos intended for social media, fundraising, and marketing campaigns.

Participants would also have the option of free professional headshots. The sign-up page directed applicants to a Google form and media release.

The original public posting and Google form stated:

“White youth will be paid $20 for participating, and BIPOC youth will be paid $25 for participating, as we plan to use these photos for general and specific marketing. BIPOC youth are paid at a higher rate in align to our commitment to racial equity.”

After the ad went viral and the legal issues were pointed out, the organization changed the fee to $20, with a “possible bonus of $5 for photos used at a higher rate, with prime photo placement.”

Keep reading