A lawyer acting for San Antonio-based lawyer Mikal Watts confirmed that charges are pending against Mr Watts, alleging fraud or forgery. Mr Watts had a seat on the steering committee driving the litigation, a seat he won partly because he was acting for so many people and businesses. He resigned that seat in 2013.
Phantom cases
However, BP filed a suit against him in 2013, claiming that half of the people he represented were 'phantoms'. The suit alleged that 45 per cent of the social security numbers used for these claimants belonged to other people or people who are dead. Robert McDuff, acting for Mr Watts, said that his client held that he had been given inaccurate information. Mr Watts said that he is 'not guilty of any crimes'. Saying that he is looking forward to a speedy trial, he added: 'I have spent my professional life working hard to protect the rights of those victimised by corporations like BP. When this trial is over, I look forward to getting back on the job, and to working for years to come.' Source: ABA
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