Mayor: Rafael’s Arrest Won’t Harm Port’s Reputation

The arrest of prominent New Bedford fishing boat owner Carlos Rafael should not diminish the Port of New Bedford. That's the feeling of Mayor Jon Mitchell.

"The port is much bigger than Carlos Rafael. Our port has a great reputation in the industry along the East Coast and this is not going to change matters at all." said the Mayor.

Rafael was arrested Friday by federal agents along with his bookkeeper, Debra Messier of Dartmouth. Both are charged with conspiracy and filing fales reports with the Federal Government to avoid federal fishing quota's.

Rafael is being held by authorities till a detention hearing on Wednesday. Messier was released on $10,000 bond.

Mitchell says he's read the affidavit filed by federal prosecutors, and says it contains serious allegations that if proven true, could put Rafael behind bars for a long time.

The Mayor says he's more concerned about the future of Rafael's business, Carlos Seafood and making sure those workers and fishermen keep receiving paychecks. Mitchell says the city is ready to help anyway it can.