Calls for FR Mayor Correia to resign following arrest

BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia was defiant outside federal court in Boston Thursday, after pleading not guilty to wire and tax fraud.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” said Correia.

The Mayor joked around just hours after being arrested by the feds.

“It’s not my best Thursday, I don’t like to be out in the rain,” said Correia.

The FBI is alleging Correia took more than $230,000 from seven people who invested in his startup app Sno-Owl, then spent that money on airfare, hotels, restaurants, casinos, dating services, even adult entertainment–even funneling some into his campaign. 

“We allege this was intentional fraud. We allege that he knew exactly what he was doing,” said U.S. Attorney Andy Lelling.

“Mr. Correia blurred the lines between his private business and public duties,” said FBI special agent Hank Shaw.

Correia is dismissing the serious charges against him as nothing more than a business dispute from years ago.

“If you look at those bogus charges or whatever they’re called, there’s not a single thing the U.S. attorney said in that 19-page indictment that I did wrong as mayor of the city of Fall River. I’m very proud of that,” said Correia.

Some city councilors see it much differently. 

“I think that’ll only help if he takes care of these personal issues, steps down and we resume our duties,” said councilor Brad Kilby.

Several residents I spoke to agree.

“He should definitely resign. He should definitely be accountable for everything that he took,” said Craig Garvin. 

Others say they’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, but admit the allegations alone are damaging. 

“It affects your credibility. It affects your ability to get things done. So it is a question, guilty or not, if he stays on, how affected will he be at that point,” said Darlene Jackson.

Correia says he’s not going anywhere. 

“Absolutely not. Absolutely not. There’s no plans to resign,” said Correia.

The City Council does have the power to remove Correia from office, but it would need at least 7 out of 9 votes to do that. 

Correia posted bail and will be back in court in December.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018