Former Adjuster Pleads Guilty in Oil Spill Fraud Case

A LaPlace, La., man has pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with claims arising from the 2010 Gulf oil spill.

U.S. Attorney Kenneth Polite’s office says 33-year-old Charlie English pleaded guilty Wednesday to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Prosecutors said English worked as a claims adjuster for the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. In September 2010, he began providing fraudulent documentation for people who made phony claims for loss of fishing income. The claims resulted in more than $257,000 in illegal payouts.

English faces up to five years in prison when he is sentenced on March 11.