Massachusetts mayor arrested on charges alleging he conspired to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from companies seeking to operate marijuana businesses, federal authorities say.
BOSTON — A Massachusetts mayor was arrested Friday on charges he conspired to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from companies seeking to operate marijuana businesses, federal authorities said.
Once a rising political star in Massachusetts, Correia has remained in office despite efforts to force him out amid his legal troubles. He was already facing charges on accusations that he stole investor funds to bankroll a lavish lifestyle. He has pleaded not guilty. Correia has issued at least 14 of the letters, including two for his current girlfriend's brother, authorities said. It was not clear if authorities were alleging that there was any illegal activity involved in the issuing of the letter to the brother.
Massachusetts voters approved recreational sale of marijuana in 2016; the first storefronts opened last November. He also had his chief of staff, who also faces federal charges, give him half of her salary in return for allowing her to keep her city job, prosecutors said. It was not clear if the staffer had a lawyer representing her who could comment on the case.
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