A Mayor Was Voted Out, Re-Elected In Same Ballot Last Night

FALL RIVER, MA — The 27-year-old mayor of Fall River immediately followed being on the short end of a recall election with being re-elected as mayor. Jasiel Correia, who faces more than a dozen federal fraud charges, learned of his bad news-good news after Tuesday's elections.

Voters had potentially two choices to make at the polls Tuesday: Whether Correia should be recalled as mayor, and if so, who should replace him. Correia, who defied calls to step down, made sure he was one of the five candidates available in that second option.

"It is because of my strong belief that the choice rests with the people of the City that I ask the public once again reaffirm their vote for me," Correia said in a statement the day after Christmas.

Correia was arrested in October and pleaded not guilty to nine counts of wire fraud and four counts of tax fraud. He is accused of using more than $230,000 from investors in his start-up on what federal prosecutors called his "lavish lifestyle and political campaign," buying himself a Mercedes, designer clothing, adult entertainment, student loans and dating services.

Related

• Fall River Mayor's 'Lavish Lifestyle' From Fraud: Federal Charges
• Embattled Mayor Won't Resign, Asks For Votes In Recall Election