Paul Hebert, one of the stars of National Geographic Channel’s “Wicked Tuna,” was once described by a local newspaper as a “firecracker” and “one of the most animated characters” of the program. Yet during the time that he spent harpooning enormous fish for TV audiences, he also received disability benefits from the U.S. government, reports The Canadian Press.
50 year-old Hebert applied for Social Security Disability in 2009, claiming he could not work any job, walk comfortably, lift heavy items or drive for long periods of time. He was approved, and subsequently received $44,000 in Social Security and Medicaid payouts between 2010 and 2013.
During this timeframe, however, Hebert was actually “capable of arduous physical labor,” per his indictment. The reality TV star now faces four counts of federal fraud in the U.S. District Court.
In addition to lying about his physical abilities, Hebert may have misrepresented what resources were available to him at the time. He originally claimed to be living on his own with no financial support, vehicle or income, but investigators now believe he was resided with a woman and owned a car while working on “Wicked Tuna.”
The cult show follows several Massachusetts boats as they try to capture Bluefin tuna, which often weigh “hundreds of pounds.” Hebert appeared on the program undertaking such activities as manning the boat, operating a fishing rod and harpooning tuna.
Hebert maintains that he did not commit these crimes, and his attorney says that he “adamantly asserts his innocence and looks forward to defending these charges in court.”
He is set to appear in a Vermont court on August 10.
