Prosecutors say in reality he was a fraud and a thief. Prosecutors will try to show that Correia swindled investors just like his critics say he smooth-talked voters into entrusting him with the city. Within weeks of getting $50,000 check from one investor, prosecutors say Correia used $10,000 of that to buy a Mercedes sedan. Over the next several months, prosecutors say Correia used investors' cash to pay for dating services, luxury hotels and designer clothes, ease his student loan debt and support his political career. Authorities say Correia or associates negotiated the bribes with owners of the companies at places like a swanky Boston steakhouse, cigar bars, and a Dunkin Donuts.

Source: ABC News April 18, 2021 11:48 UTC