Embattled Massachusetts mayor faces ouster by city council

Jasiel Correia (left) and his attorney Kevin Reddington talk with reporters outside U.S. District Court in Boston September 6, 2019 after his indictment for extorting marijuana businesses. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) – A Massachusetts mayor charged with extorting hundreds of thousands of dollars from marijuana companies now faces ouster from office.

Fall River City Council President Cliff Ponte on Monday asked Mayor Jasiel Correia to step down.

Ponte says the full council will consider a measure Tuesday to temporarily remove Correia from office and install Ponte as acting mayor.

It would take seven out of nine council votes to oust Correia.

In response to Ponte’s proposal, Correia recommended that the council review all official mayoral actions.

The 27-year-old Correia, first elected at age 23, showed up for work Monday three days after pleading not guilty to federal charges including bribery, extortion and wire fraud.

He denied the new charges outside of court.

It was the second time Correia had been federally charged.

 

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