Federally indicted Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II plans to announce today that he is taking a leave of absence, and suspending his re-election campaign. The mayor is scheduled to hold a press conference at the new BMC Durfee High School construction site on Elsbree Street at noon. According to the Herald News and Boston Globe, Correia – who is facing 24 federal charges against him, including wire fraud, bribery, and extortion – hired Reagan Communications, a public relations firm, to work on his behalf, and who has confirmed today’s announcement.
Should the mayor step aside, Fall River City Council President Cliff Ponte will serve as acting mayor, while Correia will still receive his pay while on leave. The mayor earns $119,000 a year in this position.
The final election to be held on November 5th is exactly three weeks away from today. No matter the outcome of the mayor’s announcement, his name will still appear on the ballot, along with challenger Paul Coogan.
This is an evolving story. FRCMedianews will provide updates as the information becomes available.
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