Trial for ‘The Codfather,’ Carlos Rafael Set for 2017

BOSTON (AP) _ The trial of a Massachusetts fishing magnate known as ``The Codfather'' on federal conspiracy and cash smuggling charges has been scheduled for January.

The trial for 64-year-old Carlos Rafael and an alleged accomplice was scheduled by a judge Wednesday.

Rafael, of Dartmouth, owns one of the nation's largest commercial fishing operations. He faces 27 counts including conspiracy, false entries and bulk cash smuggling. Prosecutors say he illegally sold caught fish in exchange for tens of thousands in cash, much of which was then smuggled to Portugal through Logan International Airport with the help of an accomplice.

The alleged accomplice, a suspended Bristol County Sheriff's Office deputy, is charged with bulk cash smuggling and international structuring.

Neither Rafael nor his attorney has commented on the charges.