Fox News Flash top headlines for Sept. 6
Fox News Flash top headlines for Sept. 6 are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com
The mayor of an old mill city in Massachusetts who was recalled -- then reelected -- over fraud indictments was arrested Friday on charges including “extorting marijuana vendors for cash,” federal prosecutors said.
Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling slammed Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II as corrupt after the 27-year-old was accused of extorting marijuana vendors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, contributions, gifts and even the green leaf itself while in office in exchange for business opportunities, according to MassLive.com.
MASSACHUSETTS MAYOR RECALLED -- AND RE-ELECTED -- AMID FEDERAL INDICTMENTS
“When it comes to public corruption in Mass., this office is the primary deterrent. I take that seriously, and we will continue to aggressively pursue corruption in local, city and state governments,” Lelling said at a press conference.
Three other defendants connected to the case accepted plea deals after court documents obtained by MassLive.com showed a quid-pro-quo between them, the Democratic mayor, and interested vendors.
They all face charges of aiding and abetting extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion.
For Correia, this is the second time he has been arrested by federal agents after he was previously accused of filing false tax returns and stealing $231,447 from investors to fund a lavish lifestyle.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The mayor, who was first elected in 2015, pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court to charges of wire fraud and filing false tax returns. When he refused to step down, about 4,500 Fall River voters signed a petition to force a recall vote.
He was recalled but then reelected in March. He is set to appear before a Magistrate Judge Friday afternoon.
Fox News’ Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
