A U.S. District Court jury today found former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia guilty on charges of wire fraud, tax fraud, extortion and conspiracy. The jury returned the verdict after more than three days of deliberations.
Correia was found guilty on 21 of the 24 counts he faced. He was found guilty on all 13 counts of wire fraud and tax fraud in relation to his SnoOwl app company. The jury found that the prosecution’s case did prove Correia used investor money for his own personal use…through the purchase of gifts, an automobile, and expensive vacations. The jury also convicted Correia on four counts of filing false tax returns for the years 2013 and 2014 by not reporting income from SnowOwl.
The jury found Correia guilty on eight counts of extortion and conspiracy in seeking money in exchange for non-opposition letters for potential recreational marijuana vendors looking to start a business in Fall River.
Correia was found not guilty on two counts of extortion and conspiracy on allegations he sought payment, in the form of a Rolex watch, in exchange for the city to pick up the cost of water line work for Correia co-conspirator Antonio Costa.
The jury also found Correia not guilty of bribery on the charge he sought half the salary and a snow stipend from former chief of staff Genoveva Andrade in exchange for her employment with the city.
Correia was released pending sentencing on September 20. He was outfitted with an ankle bracelet to ensure he does not flee the state.
Here is Correia’s reaction to the verdict. Video courtesy WCVB Channel 5
Here is the press conference from the U.S. Attorney’s office. Video Courtesy WCVB Channel 5
Here is the reaction from defense attorney Kevin Reddington. Video courtesy WCVB Channel 5.
Comments are closed.