An offshore altercation turned violent when oil rig worker James Magee, 51, from Mississippi, pleaded guilty to assaulting a colleague on an oil platform.
The incident, which occurred prior to Magee’s plea last Thursday, resulted in serious injuries for the victim, and Magee faces up to a year in prison.
The details of the assault, as laid out in court documents, are stark.
Magee continually hit and attacked his coworker, separating the two.
The victim, whose name has not been released by officials, required helicopter removal for medical treatment in Morgan City.
He suffered orbital fractures, bruises, and a damaged tooth.
According to a statement from the United States Attorney’s Office, Magee’s maximum sentence includes one year in prison, potentially followed by a year of supervised release, and fines of up to $100,000, as well as a mandatory $25 special assessment charge.
While Magee has acknowledged responsibility for the attack, the broader ramifications for job safety and the well-being of individuals who operate in such isolated areas remain a hot topic.
Coast Guard Investigative Services oversaw the inquiry, which highlighted the jurisdictional problems associated with open sea violations. Sentencing will take place on a date set by the court. “Magee faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison, up to one year of supervised release, a fine of up to $100,000, and a mandatory $25 special assessment fee,” prosecuting Assistant United States Attorneys Christine Calogero and Duane A. Evans highlighted the potential consequences of Magee’s actions, as detailed in the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s release.
