The head of Exxon’s shale oil business faces a sexual assault charge in Texas

HOUSTON (Oct 8) (Reuters) – The head of Exxon Mobil Corp’s (XOM.N) shale oil and gas unit, a unit involved in merger talks with rival Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD.N), was arrested at a Texas hotel last week. Tuesday. Police said it was a sexual assault charge.

David Scott, an Exxon vice president who oversees all shale oil and gas production, was arrested early Thursday morning at the La Quinta Inn and Suites in Magnolia, Texas, the Montgomery Police Office said.

Scott did not immediately respond to a message sent to his LinkedIn profile.

“We are aware of these allegations and cannot comment on a personal matter, however, we can say that this individual will not continue with work responsibilities as the investigation continues,” spokeswoman Emily Meer said.

“All EM employees, officers and directors have a responsibility to observe the highest standards of integrity and code of conduct in support of the company’s business and others,” she added.

Scott (49 years old) was arrested at a budget hotel near the Exxon Spring headquarters in Texas, where the room costs about $120 per night. A worker who watched a security video told Reuters that one of the two women who were with him in the room left and called the police from the hallway.

Reuters and others reported on Thursday that Exxon is in advanced talks to acquire Pioneer in a deal that could value the shale producer at about $60 billion. Reuters, citing three people familiar with the matter, said that an agreement may be revealed in the coming days.

Scott’s LinkedIn profile shows that he has been with Exxon for more than 26 years and has been involved in some of its most significant oil and gas projects around the world. Originally from Australia, he started working with Exxon in Melbourne as an engineer, then moved on to jobs in Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, where he was president of its subsidiary in the United Arab Emirates.

He became president of Exxon’s Permian Basin operations in 2020 and was promoted to senior vice president earlier this year in charge of all shale oil and gas.

As senior vice president, he would not necessarily participate in merger talks, a person familiar with the matter said.

Scott faces a charge of second-degree assault and was released on $30,000 bail, according to jail records. Convictions for such felonies in Texas carry a minimum of two years and up to 20 years in prison.

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