Investigation of Production Records for Nine Mineral Leases in the Wayne National Forest

We conducted a joint investigation with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Special Investigations Group into allegations the owner of an oil and gas production company refused to provide production records and sales information for nine private acquired leases for mineral resources located in the Wayne National Forest, OH.

 

BLM’s Northeastern States Field Office, Mineral Resources staff suspected that the company owner was falsely reporting production on inoperative wells to “hold” the leases (preventing resale by the Federal Government) because they are located in the resource-rich Utica and Marcellus shale gas production areas.

 

We reviewed inspection and oil purchase records, and subpoenaed the company’s production records. Based on the limited documentation provided by the company, we were unable to corroborate the allegations. We referred the case to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, which declined to prosecute. We closed this investigation with no further action required.