January 12, 2016 — “Wicked Tuna” cast member Paul Hebert, facing federal charges in Vermont that he illegally collected more than $44,000 in Social Security, disability and Medicaid payments for two years, is looking to make a deal that could keep him out of jail.

The Gloucester fisherman and one of the long-running cast members on the popular fishing reality show on the National Geographic Network, has agreed to a plea deal that recommends probation in return for Hebert pleading guilty to two of the original counts and paying $53,561 in restitution, according to the plea agreement on file in U.S. District Court in Burlington, Vermont.

The other two counts originally contained in the indictment, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Ophardt said Monday, will be dismissed if the agreement is accepted by the court and Hebert meets all conditions.

Hebert originally pleaded not guilty to all counts at his arraignment. 

“Paul Hebert agrees to plead guilty because he is, in fact, guilty of the above crimes,” said the plea agreement, filed Jan. 7 in U.S. District Court in Burlington.

The proposed plea agreement between Hebert and the U.S. Attorney’s office will be presented to the trial judge in Burlington on Jan. 20 and, if accepted, will result in sentencing in about 90 days, Ophardt said.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Daily Times