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Report File
Date Issued
Submitting OIG
Department of the Interior OIG
Other Participating OIGs
Department of the Interior OIG
Agencies Reviewed/Investigated
Department of the Interior
Components
Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement
Report Number
16-0003
Report Description

OIG investigated allegations that offshore oil and gas company employees and contractors illegally discharged oil into the Gulf of Mexico.We determined offshore workers Luke Ball, Darryl Plaisance, and William Smith intentionally discharged oil into the Gulf while operating aboard a platform located on a Federal lease. All three individuals were criminally charged by a Federal grand jury in the Western District of Louisiana. Ball and Plaisance pled guilty to making a knowing discharge of a pollutant, and Smith pled guilty to making a negligent discharge of a pollutant into the Gulf. Ball served almost six months of incarceration followed by supervised release, and the remaining defendants were placed on probation and paid a criminal fine.

Report Type
Investigation
Questioned Costs
$0
Funds for Better Use
$0

Department of the Interior OIG

United States