August 10, 2015 — A Gloucester fisherman featured on the reality show “Wicked Tuna” pleaded not guilty Monday in Vermont to federal fraud charges that he collected government benefits while claiming to be disabled.
The indictment handed down last month says Paul Hebert, 50, of Gloucester, and Barre, Vt., accepted more than $44,000 in Social Security and Medicaid benefits between 2010 and 2013.
Prosecutors say while Hebert was seen manning big fishing rods and harpooning huge fish on the National Geographic Channel reality show, he was at the same time claiming he was unable to work, with no income, no vehicle and no assets. They say during that period he was actually living with a woman and his child, owned a vehicle, and, at one point, a home.
Hebert appeared in court Monday in Burlington, Vt., where he entered the plea.
If convicted Hebert faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of four counts in the indictment.
Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times