The star of a fishing reality show pleaded guilty last week to Medicaid and Social Security fraud while living in Vermont.
Paul Hebert, 50, formerly of Barre, admitted in federal court Wednesday that he falsely represented his ability to work during a 2010 Social Security Administration hearing. He also admitted he didn’t disclose changes in his income, as required by law, and that he continued to receive benefits he was not eligible for until April 2013.
Hebert, who now lives in Massachusetts, also admitted to wrongfully receiving Medicaid benefits until November 2012.
Hebert, a tuna fisherman, starred in “Wicked Tuna,” a National Geographic reality show that follows a fleet of fishing boats based in Gloucester, Massachusetts, as they try to catch bluefin tuna.
A federal grand jury in Vermont indicted Hebert in July on four counts of fraud.
According to the indictment, Hebert applied for SSI benefits in May 2009, claiming he was unable to work and was disabled to the point that he could not walk properly, lift heavy items, or drive for more than short distances.
Hebert was fishing for tuna at that time, and several months later began appearing on television.
He agreed to pay $53,661 in restitution as part of the plea agreement.
Hebert and prosecutors recommended a sentence of four years on probation, though the court determines sentencing independently. He could face five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for each of the four counts.
