Mayor Charged with Tax Fraud Objects to Recall Petition

FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — Fall River’s mayor is formally objecting to a recall petition, claiming the signatures on the petition are invalid.

Mayor Jasiel Correia was charged with tax and wire fraud in October. Prosecutors say he used investments in a company he formed to fund a lavish lifestyle.

But Correia refused to step down and said the only way he would be removed from office would be through a recall.

WPRI-TV reports Correia alleges in his objection filed Friday that signatures collected for the recall petition were forged or duplicated.

More than 4,500 signatures were obtained by organizers — nearly double what’s required for a recall.

The Board of Elections certified the petition signatures last week, but Correia wants their authenticity proved.

The Fall River City Council will discuss the matter Tuesday night.