Federal prosecutors in New Orleans have charged a former Helmerich & Payne Inc. (H&P) drilling manager for making false statements last year to the Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General regarding a key safety device on a Gulf of Mexico drilling rig.

Donald Hudson, 49, of Walnut Grove, MS, was employed by H&P as the drilling rig manager for the company’s offshore Rig 206 from Oct. 14, 2009 until May 27, 2010. Rig 206’s blowout preventer (BOP), like other BOP systems, has to be pressure tested at regular intervals prior to continued drilling operations. The results of the tests, including any problems or irregularities, also are to be recorded.

On March 30, 2011 Hudson allegedly lied to investigators about instructing the rig’s crew to falsify BOP testing results, according to a court filing by U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, who oversees the Eastern District of Louisiana.

Testimony by other crew members revealed that Hudson had told the crew to close valves on the BOP choke manifold to prevent leaks, said Letten. The choke manifold’s piping and valves direct and control flow from the well during pressure spikes.

In May 2011 H&P indicated in a regulatory filing that it suspended operations on an offshore rig after an employee reported possible “testing irregularities.” The company filing noted that rig operations were “promptly suspended,” and federal officials had been informed. “Certain employees” were fired for violating company policies and procedures, H&P noted.

Although Hudson allegedly falsified statements, no environmental or other harm occurred and the BOP system ultimately was repaired, Letten noted. H&P has been cooperating in the grand jury investigation.

If Hudson is found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison. He also could be fined up to $250,000 and could face up to three years of supervised release following a prison term.

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