BOSTON The corruption and fraud trial against Jasiel Correia II continued Tuesday, with a focus on allegations that the former Fall River mayor extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars from marjiuana companies. The day was capped by stunning testimony from Hildegar Camara, one of four alleged co-conspirators.
Camara, who said he considered Correia to be like a son, has pleaded guilty to two counts of extortion, two counts of extortion conspiracy, and two counts of making false statements to federal prosecutors twice, on June 17 and 24, in relation to helping Correia solicit bribes from marijuana companies seeking local approval to set up shop in Fall River.
On the list of witnesses likely to go on the stand in the case of the alleged SnoOwl investor fraud are a number of his young former business associates in SnoOwl and another company he founded, 1ZERO4 Business Academy, which he was operating while starting the app company in 2012.
Christopher Parayno, now on the list, was Correia’s first chief of staff after his mayoral win in 2015. Before the appointment, Parayno had been vice president of marketing for SnoOwl and associate director of 1ZERO4 Business Academy.
Afterjust five months as chief of staff, Parayno abruptly resigned. Correia later rehired him as head of the city’s cemeteries and trees, a position he continues to hold under Mayor Paul Coogan’s administration.