William Juel, Obstructing Coast Guard Investigation, North Carolina 2017

GREENVILLE – In a shocking turn of events, William Juel, 51, the captain of the commercial fishing vessel Island Runner, has pleaded guilty to obstructing a Coast Guard investigation at sea in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2232 and 2.

According to information in the public record, Juel was aware of a commercial closure imposed by NOAA Fisheries on June 22, 2017, which prohibited the harvest of Snowy Grouper for the year. However, on November 30, 2017, while on routine patrol, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant approached the Island Runner in federal waters to conduct a boarding.

As the Cormorant approached the Island Runner, Coast Guard servicemembers observed and videotaped Juel and his mate throwing fish overboard. Further investigation revealed that Juel had illegally harvested the fish and was discarding them in order to prevent the Coast Guard from seizing the catch. The illegally harvested fish, which had also been gutted, included primarily Snowy Grouper as well as small amounts of Yellow Edge Grouper, Wreckfish and Amberjack.

This prosecution sends a clear message that efforts to obstruct investigations and to circumvent laws regulating commercial fishing will be enforced vigorously, said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.

The Coast Guard’s continued commitment to enforcing fisheries regulations at sea is crucial to preserving our vital marine resources, said Captain John Reed, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston.

Juel faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for the Court’s October 21, 2019, term of court.

The investigation was conducted by the Coast Guard Investigative Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Banumathi Rangarajan is representing the government.

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