Jury Selection Begins in Corruption Case Against Ex-Fall River Mayor

BOSTON — Jury selection is underway in the fraud and bribery case against a former Massachusetts mayor first elected at the age of 23.

Jury selection started Tuesday in former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia's trial.

Correia is accused of defrauding investors who backed a smartphone app he created. Prosecutors also say that while as mayor, he extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from marijuana companies.

Correia has denied any wrongdoing, insisted the app designed to help businesses connect with consumers was legitimate and blamed the charges on political foes who want to bring him down.

The judge has scheduled four days for jury selection and opening statements are expected to begin on Monday.