
Dec. 8, 2010
AUSA MARK MCINTYRE RECEIVES DIRECTOR’S AWARD
(HOUSTON) - The Department of Justice held its 27th annual Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) Director’s Awards Ceremony today, during which 159 award recipients from more than 45 districts were recognized for their dedication to carrying out the mission of the Department of Justice. Among the award recipients was Assistant United States Attorney Mark McIntyre of the Southern District of Texas, who was accompanied by United States Attorney José Angel Moreno. Recipients included Assistant United States Attorneys, law enforcement agents, litigation teams and others who have made outstanding contributions in federal, state and local law enforcement.
“These award recipients have been honored for their service and dedication to our country, as well as to their local communities,” said Attorney General Eric Holder. “Each of these committed public servants has helped to advance the Justice Department’s critical work. Their contributions have had a powerful impact in ensuring the strength of our justice system, the security of our communities, and the promise of our democracy."
“I am elated that Mark has been justly honored for his outstanding work on the BP Products North America Inc. case,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffery Vaden. “His effort resulted in the successful prosecution of a subsidiary of one of the largest corporations in the world which speaks volumes about his abilities. The citizens of the Southern District of Texas are extremely fortunate to have a public servant such as Mark.”
McIntyre was recognized for his outstanding work prosecuting BP Products North America Inc., for violations of 42 U.S.C. § 7412(r)(7) of the Clean Air Act. This case arose out of the March 23, 2005, oil refinery explosion in which 15 contract employees were killed and another 170 employees were injured in a facility in Texas City, Texas. Although 42 U.S.C. § 7412(r)(7) was passed in 1990, in response to the Union Carbide, Bhopal, India, explosion, this was the first time this statute was used in this district. McIntyre oversaw the investigation that ultimately resulted in BP Products North America Inc. pleading guilty to a felony charge and paying a fine of $50,000,000. This is the largest fine ever assessed under the Clean Air Act against a single corporation and the largest criminal fine imposed for an industrial accident.
McIntyre’s extraordinary work has helped the Department of Justice to continue its mission to enforce all of our nation’s laws, including prosecuting civil rights violations, gang violence and drug crimes, as well as representing our client agencies, conducting civil enforcement, and assisting victims of crime.
EOUSA provides oversight, general executive assistance, and direction to the 94 United States Attorneys’ offices around the country. For more information on EOUSA and its mission, visit http://www.usdoj.gov/usao.
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