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FALL RIVER – Governor Charlie Baker calls Jasville F. Correia II, mayor of Fall River, to resign, in light of his arrest on Thursday for federal charges including the theft of thousands of dollars to investors.
Baker, who waived Correia's approval on Thursday, released a new statement Friday, urging the 26-year-old to resign.
"Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito believe that, in light of these serious allegations, Mayor Correia should act in the best interests of the people of Fall River and retire to this point." that the case is resolved, "said Baker / Polito campaign spokesman Terry MacCormack. I said. "At the end of the day, it's up to people and voters to decide who is best able to run the city."
Correia was arrested Thursday morning and accused of stealing more than $ 231,000 from investors in its tech startup SnoOwl. Federal prosecutors said they used the money for expensive trips, a Mercedes-Benz sedan, casinos and adult entertainment.
He is also accused of filing fraudulent income tax returns for the purpose of concealing the ploy. Prosecutors allege that Correia allegedly stole approximately 64% of the $ 363,690 that SnoOwl's seven investors contributed and spent before becoming mayor in 2015. He pleaded not guilty to nine counts of wire fraud and four heads of fake production. statements.
Correia was back at City Hall on Friday morning, insisting that everything go as usual.
"I'm back to work and I'm doing business with people," said the 26-year-old brilliant mayor as he walked out of his office and headed for an elevator. "I was elected to do the job and it's up to me to be mayor, and until it's not my job, I'll continue to do it."
Councilor Leo Pelletier said Correia should step down, citing "embarrassing" allegations that he has spent ill-gotten gains in adult entertainment.
"Part of the money that he has spent and the way he spent it is embarrassing," said Pelletier, a board member for 30 years. "He's an academic. He should know better. "
The Fall River Municipal Charter provides for a process of dismissal of elected officials and a replacement mechanism for the mayor "because of illness or for any other cause".
The nine-member city council has the power to declare Correia "unable to perform its duties" and to install its president, Cliff Ponte, as deputy mayor with a vote of seven councilors, in accordance with the charter. Ponte did not return the calls from the Globe.
Pelletier, however, said he did not think the number of votes on the board was enough to force Correia to withdraw. The recall process takes too much time, he said.
"You could probably squeeze five [votes] unless people harass these other guys, "said Pelletier.
If Correia is found guilty, he will be evicted under the Charter.
The Democratic Party of the State refused to say if Correia, a Democrat, should resign.
"The charges against Mayor Correia are serious and the people of Fall River deserve a thorough, fair and transparent investigation," said Veronica Martinez, the party's executive director, in a statement on Friday.
On Friday, Correia asked how he would react to a city councilor who asked him to step down.
"Oh, come on," he said. "City councilors always speak."
About her program after her federal court appearance, Correia said, "I will be at events throughout the city."
Then he let the elevator doors close, ending the interview.
You can contact Michael Levenson at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mlevenson. Laura Crimaldi can be contacted at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @lauracrimaldi.
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