May 1, 2017 — Before Carlos Rafael uttered the word “guilty” last month, the judge made the New Bedford fishing mogul aware of the possibility of forfeiting his assets, which means permits, too.
About two months remain before Rafael’s sentencing date, but cities and states have started to acknowledge that possibility as well.
Rebeiro, along with Council President Joseph Lopes and Ward 5 Councilor Kerry Winterson introduced a written motion Thursday night “requesting that the Committee on Internal Affairs meet with Attorney General Maura Healey and NOAA to discuss how current owners and mariners operating in New Bedford have the first right of refusal to acquire licenses to be auctioned as result of the plea agreement in the case of The United States vs. Carlos Rafael …”
The case cited has yet to be completed despite Rafael’s plea agreement. Sentencing is scheduled for June 27.
On March 30 in U.S. District Court in Boston, Rafael pleaded guilty to 28 counts including falsifying fishing quotas, false labeling, conspiracy and tax evasion.
If Rafael had been convicted of false labeling, he could have been subjected to the forfeiture of all vessels and other equipment used in the offenses, the indictment said, which listed 13 boats.
However, during the Rafael’s plea agreement hearing, his lawyer William Kettlewell said, “We have reserved the right … to challenge the proportionality of the assets” that could potentially be seized.
Kettlewell didn’t return multiple requests for comment on Rafael’s permits.