Former Massachusetts Mayor convicted of extortion

A former Massachusetts city mayor was charged with extorting potential cannabis entrepreneurs, among other charges, and sentenced to several years in prison.

Jasiel F. Correia II, former Mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts, took office in 2016 at the age of 23. During his tenure as mayor, he is said to have committed numerous acts of greed and corruption. Federal Judge Douglas Woodlock announced his verdict on September 21, assigning Correia six years in prison and three more years of supervised release.

The 29-year-old was initially convicted in May 2021 of “nine cases of wire transfer fraud, four cases of false tax returns, four cases of extortion conspiracy and four cases of extortion,” according to an official press release from the Massachusetts District Attorney General. According to Forbes, Correia committed wire fraud, extortion, and accepted bribes from local cannabis companies in exchange for business licenses.

“Jasiel Correia was a corrupt and fraudulent politician who could only be stopped by a federal prosecutor. Now he’s a felon and will be a federal prisoner, “Nathaniel R. Mendell, the acting US attorney for the Massachusetts county, said in a press release. “Mr. Correia lied to the investors, sold his office and has no remorse for his crimes. That warrants a substantial prison sentence, which is why the government has recommended an 11-year prison sentence.”

Massachusetts seeks accountability

Massachusetts law states that in order to obtain a license to operate a cannabis business, the head of local government must issue a no-objection statement. “As mayor, Correia was solely responsible for approving all non-objection letters in Fall River,” a press release confirmed.

“Also, applicants applying for a marijuana license must make an agreement between the marijuana company and the local government that the company will give up to 3 percent of its gross sales to the local government.” A total of four individuals paid Correia in between $ 75,000 and $ 250,000 in “cash, campaign dues, and mortgage relief” to receive non-appeal letters.

Before he became mayor, Correia also lied to investors with an app called “SnoOwl”, which he founded in 2012 before his tenure as mayor. He accepted an estimated $ 360,000 from seven people, according to a press release. Of this sum, he used $ 230,000 (about 64 percent) to buy luxury items, a Mercedes, designer clothes, jewelry, pay for student loans, finance his political campaign, and much more.

Correia allegedly presented itself as a fellow mayor as a co-entrepreneur and offered to renovate the old town. Correia’s defense attorney William Fick argued that, despite the allegations, Correia made positive changes in the city of Fall River.

“None of the excuses what happened here, but I think it is necessary to have a fuller picture of the man and understand how someone derailed but still has hope of contributing to a future chapter of life,” said Fuck according to the related press. Correia told reporters that “the judicial system has failed us” and claimed he was not guilty.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) filed statements against Correia after seeing evidence of his actions.

Joseph R. Bonavolonta, FBI Special Agent in charge, Boston Division, commented on how Correia’s actions have damaged the city of Fall River and its citizens’ trust in local government.

“Jasiel Correia’s conscious decision to persuade investors to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes and defraud his taxes has now cost him his freedom. He has proven to be a ubiquitous liar who has shown absolutely no remorse or empathy for his victims, and today he is being held accountable.

Unfortunately, his actions have further undermined public confidence in the government and deeply hurt the citizens of Fall River, ”said Bonavolonta. “Let his sentence serve as a clear reminder that your status as an elected official does not protect you when you commit crimes. The FBI is committed to rooting out public corruption and holding officials like him accountable. “

Likewise, Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, Boston Field Office, reviewed the damage Correia had done. “As Mayor of Fall River, Jasiel Correia held the trust of the public in his hands and was able to serve the people who elected him.

Instead, he wasted this opportunity and exposed it as a corrupt politician, ”said Simpson. “It is a shame that a person with such a bright future decided to abuse their elected office for personal gain. Today’s condemnation sends a clear message that corrupt officials will pay dearly for their decisions. “