A federal judge Friday delayed for nearly six months the trial of a former BP engineer charged with obstruction of justice stemming from his actions after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
U.S. District Judge Stanwood R. Duval said in a court filing that Kurt Mix’ trial, which had been set for June 10, will now begin Dec. 2.
The delay was requested by Mix’s lawyer, who said the defense needs more time to prepare. The government did not oppose a delay.
Mix, of Katy, is accused of deleting text messages and voicemails about the amount of oil that was flowing from BP’s Macondo well after it blew out off the coast of Louisiana. The defense doesn’t dispute that the items were deleted, but they have argued Mix lacked the corrupt intent to obstruct the government’s investigation because federal officials already had the relevant information Mix purportedly destroyed.
Mix has pleaded not guilty.
Read more: Telling truth may land BP employee in jail
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