Carlos Rafael was released from jail on Wednesday, 2 March after agreeing to a USD 1 million bond, electronic monitoring and travel restrictions.
Rafael, the owner of Carlos Seafood in New Bedford, Mass., was arrested Friday, 26 February and is accused of conspiracy and submitting falsified records to the federal government to evade fishing quotas.
Court documents filed after his arrest revealed details of what had been a nine-month undercover operation into Rafael and his business, led by the Internal Revenue Service, with assistance from several other federal agencies. Debra Messier, Carlos Seafoods’ bookkeeper, also was charged with conspiracy and submitting falsified records following the operation.
Rafael appeared in the court of U.S. Magistrate Judge David H. Hennessy on Wednesday. He posted property he owns in New Bedford and in North Dartmouth, Mass. as surety for his attendance at future court dates. He agreed to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet and obey a 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew in his North Dartmouth residence. He is also restricted from leaving Massachusetts, although he may seek special permission to travel to Rhode Island. In addition, Rafael must have no contact with Messier.
A trial date has not yet been set.
Access court documents pertaining to the pending case here: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/carlos-rafael-court-documents-released
