Antonio Costa, co-conspirator with former Mayor Jasiel Correia in the extortion of potential recreational marijuana vendors, will not receive jail time following his sentencing today at U.S. District Court in Boston.
Judge Douglas Woodlock sentenced Costa to three years of probation, the first 15 months will be under home confinement. During home confinement, Costa will only be allowed to work, attend medical appointments and attend religious services.
The judge also issued a $10,000 fine and ordered a forfeiture payment of $107,550, the approximate amount Costa benefited by his association with Correia.
Judge Woodlock also sentenced Costa to complete 300 hours of community service.
Costa pled guilty in 2019 to extortion, conspiracy and making false statements and testified during Correia’s trial last month. Correia was convicted on 21 of 24 counts of wire and tax fraud in connection with his SnoOwl app business and extortion and conspiracy in seeking payment in exchange for non-opposition letters for recreational marijuana vendors.
Both the prosecution and defense recommended no jail time for Costa, citing his cooperation during Correia’s trial and the need for him to aid in the caring of his mother and sister.
Judge Woodlock said he would normally impose prison time for extortion cases because Costa benefitted and “played on the privilege of someone in power (Correia) in which others did not have.”
The judge based his sentence on the impact of Costa’s testimony during the Correia trial, his remorsefulness and his history of hard work and contributions to the community.
Corriea is set to be sentenced on September 20. Co-conspirators David Hebert and Hildigar Camara will be sentenced on their guilty pleas next month.
Co-conspirator and former chief of staff Genoveva Andrade had her guilty plea thrown out by Judge Woodlock earlier this month after he was dissatisfied with the sentencing agreement between the prosecution and defense. The two parties can strike another plea deal or go forward with a trial.
Photo courtesy The Herald News
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