May 3, 2017 — Almost a week ago, City Council members asked for their names to be attached to a late file agenda pertaining to Carlos Rafael’s groundfish permits.
Behind Ward 4 Councilor Dana Rebeiro, Council President Joseph Lopes and Ward 5 Councilor Kerry Winterson, the council requested “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 written motion was a bit premature.
Following Thursday’s council meeting, Rebeiro acknowledged the measure was “to get ahead of the ball” in terms of where the permits may land.
So what’s next?
Rafael’s plea agreement with the United States lists 13 vessels and the accompanying permits that could be potentially forfeited. However, none of his assets will be surrendered without an order of forfeiture, which describes exactly what will be taken.
According to the U.S Attorney’s office, the order of forfeiture will be issued “at and after sentencing,” which is scheduled for June 27.