Posted on 09/06/2019 12:17:04 PM PDT by billorites
FALL RIVER, Mass. —
Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II was arrested early Friday morning at his home in the city.
Correia, 27, was charged in a superseding indictment with bribery; extortion conspiracy; extortion and aiding and abetting; wire fraud; and filing false tax returns.
He is accused of conspiring to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from marijuana companies.
In federal court Friday afternoon, Correia entered a plea of not guilty and was released on $250,000 bond. He will be required to pay $25,000 of that amount by the end of the day Tuesday.
Genoveva Andrade, Correia's former chief of staff, was also arrested on extortion and bribery charges. She was taken into custody in Boston, according to the FBI.
Under Massachusetts law, the process for obtaining a license to operate a marijuana business, whether medical or recreational, required a letter of non-opposition from the head of the local government where the business intends to operate.
As mayor, Correia was responsible for approving all non-opposition letters in Fall River.
Correia has issued at least 14 such letters for marijuana businesses in Fall River, including two for his girlfriend’s brother, according to the indictment.
Officials allege Correia used his office to extort at least four marijuana vendors for hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments.
Correia is also accused of demanding that his chief of staff give him half her salary and almost all of a $10,000 “snow stipend” in return for appointing her and allowing her to keep her city job, according to the indictment.
“He has essentially run that town as a pay to play institution,” United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said.
Antonio Costa, 51, of Fall River; Hildegar Camara, 58, of Fall River; and David Hebert, 54, of Westport, were charged with extortion conspiracy, extortion, and false statements in connection with subsequent false statements to federal agents about their roles in assisting Correia obtain money and property from marijuana vendors.
Last year, Correia was charged last year with nine counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax fraud after he was accused of defrauding investors.
Correia, 27, is accused of using $231,447 of the $363,690 invested by seven people in his now-defunct smartphone app company SnoOwl.
Correia allegedly used the money to fund his “lavish lifestyle,” burgeoning political career and other business ventures.
An investigator said at the time the indictment was handed down in October that Correia had turned investor funds into "his own personal ATM," using the cash for items including jewelry, designer clothing and a Mercedes.
Correia was recalled and re-elected as mayor of Fall River on the same ballot in March.
He's currently running for re-election.
Speaking to reporters, Fall River City Council President Cliff Ponte emphasized that it is not the council's job to defend the mayor. He also suggested that Correia should step down from his office, at least temporarily.
"What we need right now is everybody to stand by our side as elected leaders, allow the mayor the opportunity to deal with his personal issues on his own. And, if I could offer any hope from the council's perspective, every single city councilor is prepared to continue their duty and bring as much stability back -- integrity back -- to this community as we can," said Ponte.
Mr. Mayor
He looks stoned.
What a charming individual.
“Correia was recalled and re-elected as mayor of Fall River on the same ballot in March.
He’s currently running for re-election. “
LOL!
Why would Farberware need to pay protection money?
Oh, wait a minute...
His teeth have their own zipcode.
10 years ago that would have got you killed.
future nominee as Treasury Secretary in a Castro administration?
Stupid provision - it should be up to a vote by the government's legislative body, so the decision is public (and the opportunity for coercing bribes diffused).
My eyes! I’m no hot 10 (or even a 5) but what the heck is that?
Hispanic Alfred E. Newman? (With more teeth!)
You could insert the names Clinton and / or Obama in every place Correia..was named.
but, but, but... we are legalizing pot to take away the financial incentives from criminals...
A lot of stupid democrat voters in Fall River. An uncle of mine comes to mind. Always voted for Barney Frank and Ted Kennedy because they were dems. Never voted based on issues, and he was an maritime engineer, so he was not considered dumb.
Under Massachusetts law, the process for obtaining a license to operate a marijuana business, whether medical or recreational, required a letter of non-opposition from the head of the local government where the business intends to operate.
A system specifically designed for corruptocrats by corruptocrats.
Lizzy Boden took an axe
And gave the Mayor 40 whacks
When she saw what she had done
She gave the Counsel 41
Not only that but the majority of pot sales in CALIEFFEDUP is more than the legal sales....no taxes and lots of moolah...but the stoopid guvmint has to enforce laws against legal dealers...but stoned people vote...what can go wrong?
Democrap repub...or cartel?
Alfredo E. Nuevohombre?
Why should the potties have all that money to themselves. In fact, spread everyone’s wealth around. I’m dirt poor of course, so willing to share...in theirs!
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