Fall River Mayoral Recall Group Submitting 4,000 Signatures
FALL RIVER — The group that's been collecting the needed signatures for the recall of Mayor Jasiel Correia says they have more than the required number.
The recall group needed 2,510 signatures of registered Fall River voters before there could be a recall election. The group has told The Herald News that they have over 4,000 signatures.
Group organizers said that have 76 sheets of names, and was planning to turn them into the City Clerk on Tuesday. Last week, they submitted 44 sheets of names to the clerk's office.
The signatures must now be certified as those of registered voters. The Herald News reports that the Board of Elections predicted that process would be completed before Christmas.
According to the city charter, once the required signatures are certified, they will be given to the City Council. The council will then ask the mayor to step down. If he does not resign within five days of the request, the council has 65 days to schedule the recall election.
Correia has stated that he will not resign, and should there be a recall election, he will ask Fall River voters for their support.
The Mayor has been indicted by a federal grand jury on 13 counts of wire and tax fraud. The charges are in relation to his company SnoOwl. Correia is accused of using over $230,000 of investors money to lead a lavish lifestyle and pay off a college loan.