United States of America v. William Juel

Greenville, NC - Captain Pleads Guilty to Obstructing Coast Guard Investigation



WILLIAM JUEL, 51, of Little River, South Carolina plea 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 the Captain of the commercial fishing vessel Island Runner. On November 30, 2017, while on routine partrol, 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 illegally harvested the fish and was discarding the fish in order to prevent the Coast Guard from seizing the catch. The illegally harvested fish, which had also been gutted, included primarly Snowy Grouper as well as small amounts of Yellow Edge Grouper, Wreckfish and Amberjack. Five months before the boarding, on June 22, 2017, NOAA Fisheries imposed a commercial closure on the harvest of Snowy Grouper because the quota had been reached for the year. JUEL was aware of the closure at the time of the offense.



“This prosecution make clear that efforts to obstruct investigations and to circumvent laws regulating commercial fishing -- which are implemented to sustain the species for the benefit of future generations – will be enforced vigorously,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Higdon, Jr.



“The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Cormorant partnered closely with the Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement (NOAA LE) on this case.” said Captain John Reed, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston. “This case highlights the Coast Guard’s continued commitment to, and the value of, at-sea enforcement of fisheries regulations, in order to preserve our vital marine resources. Our cutters work to ensure a level playing field for all, as the majority of fishermen abide by the regulations and expect that their competitors will as well.”



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



Investigation of this case was conducted by Coast Guard Investigative Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Charge:

Destruction or Removal of Property to Prevent Seizure; and aiding and abetting

06/26/2019 5 INFORMATION as to William Shon Juel (1) count 1. (Brewer, C) (Entered: 06/26/2019)

06/26/2019 6 Penalty Sheet (Selected Participants Only) as to William Shon Juel. (Brewer, C) (Entered: 06/26/2019)

07/03/2019 Reset Hearing as to William Shon Juel: Plea to Criminal Information set for 7/22/2019 term of court at 9:00 AM in Raleigh - 7th Floor - Courtroom 1 before District Judge James C. Dever III. (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/03/2019)

07/11/2019 9 Notice of Hearing as to William Shon Juel: Plea to Criminal Information set for 7/22/2019 at 9:00 AM in Raleigh - 7th Floor - Courtroom 1 before District Judge James C. Dever III. (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/11/2019)

07/15/2019 10 Pretrial Services Report filed by Jason D. Cole as to William Shon Juel. (Smith, Laura) (Entered: 07/15/2019)

07/22/2019 11 Waiver of Indictment filed in open court by William Shon Juel. (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/22/2019)

07/22/2019 12 Minute Entry for proceedings held before District Judge James C. Dever III in Raleigh: Defendant present with counsel and Assistant U.S. Attorney present for USA. Arraignment held on 7/22/2019 as to William Shon Juel (1) regarding count 1 of the Criminal Information. Defendant sworn - court finds defendant competent to proceed - defendant advised of rights, charges, and maximum penalties by the court. Plea entered: Guilty on count 1 - Waiver of Indictment filed - Memorandum of Plea Agreement filed. Sentencing set for 10/21/2019 term of court at 9:00 AM in Raleigh - 7th Floor - Courtroom 1 before District Judge James C. Dever III. Defendant released with special conditions pending sentencing. (Court Reporter Michelle McGirr) (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/22/2019)

07/22/2019 13 MEMORANDUM OF PLEA AGREEMENT filed in open court as to William Shon Juel. (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/22/2019)

07/22/2019 14 ORDER Setting Conditions of Release. Signed by District Judge James C. Dever III on 7/22/2019. (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/22/2019)

07/22/2019 15 Unredacted Document - 14 Order Setting Conditions of Release. (Jenkins, C.) (Entered: 07/22/2019)