Both federal prosecutors and the defense have laid out their recommendations on the sentencing of former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia on his convictions of fraud and extortion. Correia is scheduled to be sentenced next Monday.
In sentencing memoranda filed before U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock, both sides provide a differing view on what the appropriate level of punishment should be for Correia.
In making their recommendation, prosecutors pointed to Correia’s lack of remorse following his conviction in May on 21 counts of tax and wire fraud in his related to his SowOwl app company and extortion and conspiracy in the shakedown of potential recreational marijuana vendors while mayor.
“…unlike some crooked politicians who eventually accept responsibility, Correia remains defiant and in denial – even after a trial in which 33 witnesses testified against him, the jury convicted him of 21 felonies, and his own lawyer praised the fairness of the proceedings. In fact, Correia has not only failed to take any responsibility, he bizarrely claimed – after choosing not to testify – that “the real truth” would eventually come out, and that his trial was a failure of the justice system.”
Prosecutors have recommended the following punishment:
- 132 months’ incarceration (11 years);
- 24 months’ supervised release;
- $298,190 in restitution to certain SnoOwl investors;
- $20,473 in restitution to the IRS;
- $566,740 in forfeiture; and
- a mandatory special assessment of $2,100.
Correia attorneys William Fick and Daniel Marx pointed to the former mayor’s youth, inexperience and impact upon the city at such a young age in their argument of leniency in sentencing.
“…Mr. Correia cannot be defined solely as a “crooked politician” or “thief.” He is also a devoted grandson, son, brother, cousin, friend, and now husband…Mr. Correia pursued public service opportunities from an early age and repeatedly found himself the youngest leader in many settings, beginning in childhood and culminating in his election as mayor at age 23. His accomplishments as mayor conferred broad benefits on constituents and the city itself. None of this remotely excuses the offense conduct, but it provides critical context. Still in his twenties, Mr. Correia has great potential to learn from this chapter of his life, make amends, fulfill has financial obligations, and contribute constructively to his family and community in the years ahead.”
The defense is seeking a prison term of three years, with three years of supervised release, along with unspecified mandatory restitution and forfeiture.
Both memoranda were accompanied by letters of support. SnoOwl investors David Cabeceira and Stephen Miller filed on behalf of the prosecution while the following filed on Correia’s behalf:
- Jenny Correia (wife)
- Jasiel F. Correia (father)
- Maria Correia (mother)
- Kenneth Walsh (pastor)
- Fr. Jay Mello (priest)
- Gary and Maria Moukhtarian (uncle and aunt)
- Oteniel Correia (uncle)
- Amber Moukhtarian (cousin)
- Maria Soares (grandmother)
The defense yesterday also filed a renewed argument to Judge Woodlock asking for acquittal or a new trial, the first step following conviction before appeal to a higher court.
View the sentencing documents and argument for a new trial.
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