Correia takes leave of absence

FALL RIVER – Mayor Jasiel F. Correia II will take a leave of absence and is suspending his reelection efforts, Correia announced Tuesday.

Correia did say, however, he intends to officially remain mayor until he resigns in January. This means Correia will still draw on his roughly $119,000 annual salary.

In his absence, his mayoral duties will be taken over by City Council President Cliffe Ponte.

Correia’s announcement of his leave of absence was dominated by Correia listing what he considered his administration’s accomplishments, calling Fall River a city in decline before his administration.

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The announcement alluded but made no specific reference to the several federal charges Correia now faces.

Correia has been indicted by federal prosecutors on charges twice while in office and currently faces a count of wire fraud, a count of false tax returns, five counts of extortion conspiracy, five counts of extortion, aiding and abetting, one count of bribery, and faces a forfeiture allegation. The charges are related to allegations of fraud for a company that he founded prior to being mayor, as well as allegations that Correia was extorting prospective cannabis dispensary companies seeking to do business in Fall River while in office.

Correia said he will spend his remaining time as mayor championing social programs he has established.

“Today is not goodbye,” he said, adding that he will continue to fight for residents through an official capacity or otherwise and expects to lead the city again.

He said his leave of absence will allow the city to operate without distraction. The mayor took no questions following his announcement, immediately departing in an SUV.

The Fall River City Council had attempted to remove Correia from office legally via the city’s charter but was denied by a Mass. Superior Court Judge. Correia had previously been recalled by voters following the first wave of federal indictments but was reelected in the same evening.

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