Various news organizations are reporting that Thursday may see announcement of a plea deal between BP and the Justice Department in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf oil spill. They say BP will plead guilty to criminal misconduct and pay a record criminal fine.
"BP Plc is expected to pay a record U.S. criminal penalty and plead guilty to criminal misconduct in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster through a plea deal reached with the Department of Justice (DoJ) that may be announced as soon as Thursday, according to sources familiar with discussions.
Three sources, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said BP would plead guilty in exchange for a waiver of future prosecution on the charges.
BP confirmed it was in 'advanced discussions' with the DoJ and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)."
Chris Baltimore and David Ingram report for Reuters November 15, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"BP Near Settlement With US Over Gulf Spill" (NPR)
"BP Near Settlement With US Over Gulf Spill" (AP)
"BP Is Expected To Admit To Criminal Misconduct in Gulf Oil Spill, Reuters Reports" (New Orleans Times-Picayune)