Former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia’s Omen [PHIL-OSOPHY]

Jasiel F. Correia II is not a victim of his own making. He is an egocentric grandstander who is disconnected from his innermost being, the seat of his feelings.

This is why he showed a lack of remorse, both in and out of court. No feelings equal no remorse. Some professionals say it could be caused by neurological damage. I wouldn't know about that, but something in this guy has definitely become detached within, but also, he's disengaged from the feelings for other people.

Look around, many in our culture suffer from the same disorder. Some have an unnatural capability to disconnect themselves from their own feelings, while being indifferent to your emotions, as well.

US District Court Judge Douglas P. Woodlock told Correia during the sentencing portion of the trial, "What I have before me is an absolute lack of remorse." In addition to this, the judge was troubled that Correia would swindle investors he personally knew, one of whom said Correia was like a son to him. "I really don't understand Mr. Correia," Woodlock said.

On top of his six-year sentence, Correia has been ordered to pay restitution that will be determined at a later date, and placed on supervised release for three years.

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Woodlock said, "I do want to make sure he pays back the ill-gotten gains, to the degree that he can," and then can push ahead with his life. I picked up on an undertone of hope in the judge's words. The Court agreed to let Correia report to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons in a couple of months on his own, rather than surrender to authorities right then and there.

The time he spends behind bars will be the easiest part of what Correia has to accomplish if he expects to live a normal life. He has to swallow his pride and admit what he is.

Prison can serve as a great rebuilder of human wreckage.

Phil Paleologos is the host of The Phil Paleologos Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact him at phil@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @PhilPaleologos. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.