Source: Justice Dept. preparing charges in BP case

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Justice Department is said to be getting ready to file what would be the first criminal charges against BP employees in connection to the Gulf oil disaster.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in April of 2010, killing 11 workers and triggered the worst oil spill disaster in US history. People familiar with the case say prosecutors are preparing felony charges against several Houston-based engineers and at least one of their supervisors.

Prosecutors believe the employees may have provided false information to regulators about the risks associated with the well while its drilling was in progress.

BP declined to comment about the potential charges against its workers. The Justice Department is also refusing to comment.

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