The Story of Paul Hebert, the “Mailman” from Wicked Tuna

One of the colorful characters on the popular reality show Wicked Tuna is a fisherman nicknamed the “Mailman”. His real name is Paul Hebert, and he was a cast member on the National Geographic series starting in 2012. However, Hebert got into some legal troubles related to disability fraud that resulted in his departure from the show.

Introducing the “Mailman”

When Paul Hebert first joined Wicked Tuna, he was captain of the fishing vessel Lisa & Jake. Hebert, who was born in 1961 in Gloucester Massachusetts grew up fishing on his father’s boat. His lifelong experience on the water earned him the nickname “Mailman” on Wicked Tuna, as he always boasted about delivering results.

The Mailman brought a humorous and lighthearted presence to the competition show about commercial bluefin tuna fishermen battling to reel in the biggest catches. Hebert’s wisecracks and working class charm made him a fan favorite during his early seasons on Wicked Tuna. Though not always the most successful fisherman, Hebert livened up the rivalry among the captains.

Legal Issues Surface

After establishing himself as a core cast member on Wicked Tuna, problems arose for Paul Hebert in 2014 when he was charged with fraud Authorities alleged that from 2010 to 2013, Hebert illegally collected over $44,000 in disability benefits from Social Security and Medicaid However, during this same time period he was actively working as a fishing boat captain, which was documented on Wicked Tuna.

According to the prosecutors on the case Hebert had applied for disability benefits back in 2009 claiming he was unable to work due to physical limitations. But just a year later in 2010 Hebert started receiving monthly disability checks while simultaneously working on a fishing boat, unbeknownst to the government.

Hebert was ultimately indicted on two counts of fraud in June 2014. Court documents showed he received $31,458 from the Social Security Administration and $13,417 from MassHealth Medicaid while portraying himself as disabled and out of work.

“Mailman” Pleads Guilty

After being charged with disability fraud amounting to over $44,000 in wrongful benefits claims, Paul Hebert decided to plead guilty to the two counts in 2016. As part of a plea agreement with federal prosecutors, Hebert admitted to fraudulently collecting disability money from the government during the years he worked as a fisherman on Wicked Tuna.

In exchange for the guilty plea, prosecutors recommended Hebert receive probation rather than active jail time. He agreed to pay restitution to the government agencies he defrauded. In June 2016, Hebert was sentenced in court to 4 years of probation and ordered to pay $53,600 in restitution.

The judge granted Hebert permission to return to Massachusetts and serve his probation under the supervision of the U.S. District Court in Boston. Hebert also paid a $5,000 fine for his crime.

Where is the “Mailman” Now?

Following his guilty pleas and sentencing, Paul Hebert disappeared from Wicked Tuna. He no longer works as captain of the Lisa & Jake and has not returned to the show.

Now in his 60s, Hebert keeps a low profile since leaving the public eye. Reports indicate he continues to fish out of his home port of Gloucester, Massachusetts, but no longer wants the celebrity status he once embraced as a reality star.

While Hebert clearly violated the law by improperly collecting disability money while working, some fans believe he was treated unfairly by the criminal justice system. His supporters point out he filed the initial disability claims before getting the TV job, suggesting it may have been an honest mistake rather than intentionally fraudulent behavior.

Nonetheless, the Mailman’s minor fame from Wicked Tuna quickly crumbled after his legal issues came to light. Paul Hebert’sTelevision career was sunk by his own actions, forcing him to retreat from the spotlight he had relished during his heyday as one of the more memorable cast members on the popular reality program about New England fishermen.