FALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) - The embattled mayor of Fall River has announced he plans to take a leave of absence from office and suspend his reelection campaign as he faces federal charges.

In an interview with The Boston Globe , 27-year-old Mayor Jasiel Correia says he plans to retain the title of mayor as well as his six-figure salary until his term expires in January. But he says he will hand most of his day-to-day duties to Council President Cliff Ponte, who will take over the title of acting mayor. A new mayor will be elected in November.

Correia has pleaded not guilty to federal extortion and fraud charges. The City Council voted to temporarily remove Correia from office last month.

A judge blocked that on Thursday.

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