Williston, ND – Stephan Todd Reisinger, a former maintenance manager at Nabors Completion and Production Services Company (NCPS), received 18 months of supervised release for knowingly providing false statements during a federal investigation into the 2014 death of a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. The case, stemming from a tragic industrial accident at the company’s Williston, North Dakota facility, highlights a pattern of safety failures and subsequent obstruction of justice.
Dustin Payne, 28, was fatally injured on October 3, 2014, when a tanker trailer he was welding exploded. The trailer had previously contained “produced water,” a hazardous byproduct of oil well operations consisting of flammable chemicals. Federal law explicitly prohibits welding on tanks or containers that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned of such flammable residues. Investigators determined that Payne was welding on the uncleaned tank, a direct result of systemic safety lapses at NCPS.
Reisinger, as maintenance manager overseeing approximately 40 employees, admitted to being fully aware that the tanker trailers routinely carried produced water. However, during an interview with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following Payne’s death, Reisinger falsely claimed he was unaware of the hazards and the composition of the produced water. He stated he believed the tanks contained “just water,” a demonstrably false statement intended to downplay his responsibility and the company’s negligence.
The investigation revealed that NCPS, and its corporate successor C&J Well Services, had established policies requiring specialized training for welders and internal audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Despite these policies, Payne and other welders at the Williston facility were never provided with the necessary welding-specific training. This led to a recurring and dangerous practice of welders working on tanks contaminated with flammable hydrocarbon residue. C&J Well Services previously pleaded guilty to charges related to Payne’s death and was sentenced on August 28, 2019, to pay $2.1 million in fines and restitution.
Reisinger’s sentencing, while not directly addressing the fatal accident itself, underscores the seriousness of obstructing a federal investigation. Prosecutors emphasized that his false statements hindered efforts to fully understand the circumstances surrounding Payne’s death and hold responsible parties accountable. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over worker safety and the importance of truthful cooperation with law enforcement.
Key Facts
- Defendant: Stephan Todd Reisinger
- Location: Williston, North Dakota
- Victim: Dustin Payne, 28, U.S. Marine Corps veteran
- Date of Incident: October 3, 2014
- Statutes Violated: Title 18 U.S. Criminal Code, specifically 18 U.S.C. 1505 (Obstruction of Justice)
- Penalty: 18 months of supervised release
- Company Involved: Nabors Completion and Production Services Company (NCPS) / C&J Well Services
The investigation was led by federal authorities, with assistance from OSHA and the North Dakota State’s Attorney’s Office. While the corporate entity faced significant financial penalties, Reisinger’s sentence highlights the individual accountability for deliberately misleading investigators and attempting to conceal critical information related to a workplace fatality. GrimyTimes will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.
Source: EPA ECHO Enforcement Case Database
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