Will the Oil Spill Result in Criminal Charges?

Thu Jun 3, 2010

The Justice Department has begun a criminal investigation to determine if criminal charges should result from the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The investigation will focus on BP, the owner of the rig (Transocean), and Halliburton, which was responsible for cementing the well before the explosion on April 20.

The investigation is being handle by the environmental crimes section and is focusing on whether there was some form of cover up involving false statements, obstruction of justice, or other conspiracy to thwart the investigation into the cause of the explosion and leak. If charges are filed, they would likely be grounded in the Clean Water Act and Refuse Act, which contains a section covering "responsible corporate officers."

BP could also face charges under a number of environmental protection laws.

Gulf Oil Spill Criminal Case Difficult Against Execs | The Huffington Post

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