Trial for Jasiel Correia and Gen Andrade pushed back from January to February

The trial for Jasiel Correia and Gen Andrade has a new official start date, assuming COVID-19 related issues don’t get in the way.

U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Woodlock had set a trial ready date in October of January 13th, however, opening arguments are now expected on February 3rd with jury selection on February 2nd.

According to an October hearing, the court room will be limited to 26 people due to COVID-19 including a jury of 14, the judge, a clerk, and associated parties. Woodlock stated that overflow and zoom would be utilized to provide access to the court proceedings.

Woodlock also stated that masks will be mandatory for all in the courtroom.

The judge mentioned previously the challenges that could come about due to the pandemic such as witnesses having to quarantine, and preparing for someone involved in the case, including the jury, possibly getting sick.

Charles Rankin, Gen Andrade’s attorney, had expressed concerns about being a guinea pig in the process. Woodlock listened to the concerns but stated unless something doesn’t work that will stop the trial, it is scheduled to continue on January 13th.

Correia’s attorney, Kevin Reddington, had also expressed similar concerns as Rankin.

According to WPRI, Woodlock is expected to have both sides take a trip to the courtroom, pre-trial, to ease COVID-19 concerns.

The trial was first scheduled to take place in May, but was pushed to September and then January due to COVID-19.

The former mayor of Fall River faces 24 federal counts of alleged fraud connected to the SnoOwl app in addition to allegedly taking bribes from marijuana vendors.

Andrade, Correia’s former chief of staff and campaign manager, is facing six counts of alleged extortion and bribery.