BP Engineer Arrested Under Suspicion of Destroying Evidence

A BP engineer, K.M., was arrested for allegedly deleting text messages which contained information regarding the amount of oil that was being released into the ocean. On April 20^th, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded leaving 11 workers dead. It also led to millions of barrels of crude oil being released into the ocean. This huge clean-up operation was considered a crime scene by the U.S. Department of Justice and it was ordered that any communication regarding the incident had to be kept. K.M., one of the engineers in charge of the clean-up, was responsible for determining exactly how much oil had been lost.

However, even though he received orders from his company to keep all communications, he has been accused of deleting at least 200 text messages. Some of these contained shocking information regarding the true amount of oil that had been released into the ocean. At the time, BP was claiming that 5,000 barrels a day were leaking into the water. However, according to his text messages, this number was much higher: 15,000 barrels a day. K.M. has been released from custody on a $100,000 bail and has been charged with two counts of obstructing justice. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 3.

As is apparent from this situation, the BP oil spill disaster is far from over. If you are still suffering from its devastating consequences, please contact our firm to see if you have a claim. It is our desire to provide you with strong legal representation so that you have the best possible chance of receiving justice. By talking with a Gulf Coast oil spill attorney from our team at Arnold & Itkin LLP, you could be taking the first step on the road to recovery. Whether you are dealing with a business, commercial, or environmental claim, please contact a Gulf Coast oil spill lawyer from our team today!