A former mayor of Fall River, Massachusetts was recently charged with extorting marijuana vendors for cash. A federal indictment says that Correia and his associates extorted local marijuana vendors and a building owner of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Correia allegedly used his position as mayor to pay for extravagant lifestyles and his Rolex watch.
The mayor of Fall River, Jasiel Correia, was accused of engaging in old-school pay-to-play political corruption by bribing dispensary owners for cash. Correia is accused of conspiring cbd seeds oregon to extort money from marijuana business owners in exchange for letters approving their operations. Correia pleaded not guilty to the charges and was removed from office.
Correia was found not guilty of two counts of extortion conspiracy and two counts of extortion. Correia received over $250,000 from four marijuana vendors in exchange for their non-opposition letters and a Rolex watch. Moreover, Correia’s chief of staff allegedly bribed him by asking him for half of his salary.
Correia denied allegations of favoritism, saying that he would not resign unless the charges against him were proven. The mayor also told Crandall that he would not resign because he was adamant about the charges against him. As the result of the allegations against him, a new marijuana dispensary will open in Fall River.
The state of Massachusetts has legalized marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes. Since its legalization, Correia signed 14 non-opposition letters to marijuana businesses in Fall River. Two of these were for his girlfriend’s brother. The mayor’s “monetization” of his official position was underway shortly after he was elected. In one instance, Correia signed contracts with cannabis vendors for up to $250,000, while another vendor agreed to pay him over $100,000.
In addition to Correia, three other associates of the mayor have been charged with similar offenses. They will appear in court at a later date. The Cannabis Control Commission will not comment on the federal investigation or the ongoing case against Correia. The three other associates are also charged with extortion. However, the mayor’s trial has been delayed because of COVID-19.
Correia’s extortion charges against him include attempting to extort marijuana vendors for cash and a Batman Rolex watch. He also allegedly demanded $10k in cash from the building owner to get the permits he needed. During this time, Correia’s bond was raised from $10,000 to $250,000, and he’s now banned from leaving the state.
Correia’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, has denied any guilt. He will have to wear an ankle bracelet monitoring device during his time in prison. He faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty on all the charges. In addition to extorting marijuana vendors for cash, Correia is also accused of defrauding investors of $230,000.
Correia was elected to fall river’s mayor’s office at the age of 23. He touted himself as a successful entrepreneur. But he actually spent his money to on front page fund his luxurious lifestyle. He even bought sex toys and a casino. He also said he would appeal the case. The judge’s decision is not surprising.
Although there are varying sentencing guidelines, the alleged mayor faces up to 10 years in prison. The federal laws that govern such cases allow for a wide range in sentence. The mayor’s conviction could also result in a significant fine of up to $250,000. The alleged crime has eroded the public’s trust in government and deeply hurt the people of Fall River.
