Jasiel Corriea Finally Stepping Away — But Not Admitting Guilt

FALL RIVER, MA — He'll still be mayor of Fall River and still collect that mayoral check, but Jasiel Correia is finally going away. Correia, who was twice indicted on federal charges of fraud, tax evasion and extortion, is taking a leave of absence and suspended his re-election campaign Tuesday.

Correia, who still denies all charges, will still hold the title of mayor and collect his $119,000 salary until a new mayor takes over in early January. City Council president Cliff Ponte will be acting mayor until a new mayor takes office in January. The election is in November.

"Today’s announcement provides the City of Fall River an opportunity to build on the successes and accomplishments of my administration without any distraction," Correia told reporters during a press conference. "This announcement allows the voters, who will take to the polls, the chance to evaluate candidates on policy and platforms, not headlines."

Correia left without taking questions.

Correia advanced in a preliminary election last month, but he finished far behind School Committee member Paul Coogan

Correia, 27, was elected in 2015 as the city's youngest mayor.

He was arrested in October 2018 and pleaded not guilty to nine counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax fraud. He was accused of using more than $230,000 from investors in his start-up app SnoOwl on what federal prosecutors called his "lavish lifestyle and political campaign," buying himself a Mercedes, designer clothing, adult entertainment, student loans and dating services.

Last month, Correia was arrested again, this time on charges of extorting marijuana vendors for hundreds of thousands of dollars. He again pleaded not guilty

The Democrat has dipped and dodged his way to remain in office before Tuesday's announcement.

In March, Fall River residents opted to remove Correia in a recall election — but the following question was who should replace Correia, who found his way onto that same ballot, along with four other candidates. Correia, despite essentially being recalled immediately before, won that election as the other candidates split votes.