Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II and his wife entered the Moakley Federal Courthouse at 10:35 A.M. this morning followed by his mother and father as the Correia awaits his fate during today's sentencing. Nine newsletter were released last night by the Federal Court, including one written by Correia's younger sister.
Judge Douglas Woodlock opened the hearing at 11:10 A.M. this morning beginning with more SnoOwl discussion on count “L” and “M” which deal with unreported income Correia's tax returns. Judge Woodlock was looking for more information on the two SnoOwl counts that are in regards to income tax fraud.
It is now part of the official trial record, former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II was never offered, and apparently never asked, for a plea deal.
A break that was planned to be only five minutes long, lasted well past 10 minutes was wrapped and saw Defense Attorneys return to the courtroom.
Judge Woodlock opened up discussions as he asked about comments made to the Boston Globe. The Defense also addressed the subject of the plea deal when the courtroom reopened.
Judge Douglas Woodlock took another break and stated the sentencing phase would start at 1:30 P.M. He stated he wanted to review past corruption cases in the Commonwealth and decide what it is that Correia owes his victims and Fall River.
Federal Prosecutor Zach Hafer says the Government wants a sentence of 132 months for the former mayor, Jasiel Correia. The Defense says a sentence needs to be measured and that corruption has happened for thousands of years. Defense Attorney Fick says Correia “did a lot of good” for the city of Fall River.
Judge Woodlock said Correia was able to "sell himself out"; the judge asked of Correia that he "can't conceive how you could have done this." The Judge noted that the former Fall River Mayor "has extraordinary gifts" and a close family. Judge Woodlock also noted past and present Boston history in terms of political corruptions.
Judge Douglas Woodlock has stated that Jasiel Correia II will be incarcerated to 6 years or 72 months.
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