Men Released In Woburn Human Smuggling Case Pending Trial

WOBURN, MA — Two men arrested in connection with what prosecutors described as a human smuggling operation between parts of Brazil and Woburn were released on Wednesday just over two weeks after federal agents raided their restaurants and residences earlier this month, court documents show.

Jesse Moraes and Hugo Moraes are now subject to home detention and electronic monitoring while they await next steps in the federal case filed against them, according to records.

The men had to pay $50,000 and $100,000 bonds respectively as part of their release. They are banned from leaving Massachusetts and had to surrender their passports.

Magistrate Judge Jennifer Boal approved the releases on the condition that Jesse and Hugo Moraes both avoid contact with their restaurants The Dog House and Taste of Brazil.

The restaurants can operate, Boal ordered. But they must do so “under the direction of an independent manager.”

Federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations and the Department of Labor flocked to Woburn on the morning of Oct. 4 in a coordinated set of raids with Woburn Police.

READ: Woburn Raids Targeted Human Smuggling Operation: U.S. Attorney

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced arrests hours later, detailing a human smuggling scheme where prosecutors said a relative, Chelbe Moraes, collected payments from individuals in Brazil to transport individuals to the U.S.

Prosecutors said Jesse and Hugo Moraes then employed the individuals at their restaurants, often withholding wages to pay off smuggling costs.

As prosecutors announced charges against Jesse and Hugo Moraes on Oct. 4, they unsealed an indictment of Chelbe Moraes, who has been living in Brazil, according to documents.

Prosecutors additionally said they had charged Marcos Chacon, 29, of Woburn in connection with the sale of fake documentation to individuals at the request of the Moraes family.

Court proceedings have moved forward in recent days and weeks as Jesse and Hugo Moraes remained in federal custody.

MassLive reported this week that prosecutors pushed to detain both men through the duration of court proceedings, labeling them as flight risks due to their ties to Chelbe Moraes and Brazil.

The news outlet also quoted defense attorney Alyssa Hackett, though, who said the pair have little reason to flee the U.S. despite current charges. Hackett cited strong ties to the Woburn community for Jesse and Hugo Moraes, according to MassLive.

MassLive separately reported that Chacon had been voluntarily detained last week.

In releasing Jesse and Hugo Moraes, the court imposed other conditions including prohibitions on possessing guns during pending litigation, requirements to report contact with law enforcement, and orders to avoid contact with anyone either lacking lawful work authorization or who is not being paid a lawful wage, among other things.