Trenton, N.J. – A New Jersey seafood dealer was sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to hide illegal scallop harvesting from federal regulators, prosecutors announced.
A federal judge ordered Antonio Pereira to pay a $4,000 fine and serve two years of probation after he admitted to conspiring to obstruct justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. His co-defendant, clam vessel captain Darren McClave, pleaded guilty to the same charge.
Investigators said McClave repeatedly exceeded federal bycatch limits for scallops while operating his vessel off the New Jersey coast. Instead of discarding the excess, McClave sold the extra scallops to Pereira, who then moved them into commercial markets. To hide the activity, the men falsified mandatory Fishing Vessel Trip Reports and Dealer Reports required by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The scheme unraveled after a probe led by NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement uncovered the fraudulent paperwork and sales trail. The case was prosecuted by Environmental Crimes Section Trial Attorney Christopher Hale and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Lyons of the District of New Jersey.
Key Points
- Antonio Pereira sentenced to $4,000 fine and two years’ probation for conspiracy to obstruct justice.
- Co-defendant and clam vessel captain Darren McClave faces sentencing on June 30.
- NOAA investigators said the pair falsified reports to conceal excess scallop harvesting.
The case highlights federal pressure on illegal fishing practices along the Jersey coast.
