Carlos Rafael Released on $1 Million Secured Bond, Strict Conditions

Carlos Rafael, accused of lying to federal officials about how much fish his boats were hauling in, has been released on $1 million secured bond.

A detention hearing was held Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Worcester for Rafael.

Rafael and his wife agreed to place their North Dartmouth home and the Carlos Seafood building on the New Bedford waterfront as collateral for the bond. Any violation of the bond could result in a warrant for his arrest and the seizure of his home and business property.

As part of the conditions of his release, Rafael cannot travel outside of Massachusetts, except with permission, to a Providence shipyard that services rafael's fishing boats.

Rafael was arrested along with his bookkeeper last week on charges of conspiracy and submitting falsified records to the government.