Orin Atkins

Orin Ellsworth Atkins (June 6, 1924 – March 23, 2007) was an American lawyer and business executive known for his time expanding the Ashland Oil business. Amid its growth, Atkins was at the center of multiple scandals.

Early life and education Atkins was born June 6, 1924, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. eventually being appointed as chief executive officer of Ashland Oil in 1965.

In the 1970's, Atkins, along with Ashland, were part of the Watergate scandal, where they were fined for making secret contributions in excess of $700,000 of corporate money to the re-election campaign of President Richard Nixon. Atkins plead no contest to the charges, while Ashland pled guilty. He offered to sell two documents to Iran that would aid in a lawsuit against Ashland, where the Iranian oil company was seeking payment for several oil tankers, in exchange for $600,000. He would plead guilty to conspiracy charges in 1989, and Ashland agreed to pay the Iranian oil company $325 million to settle its claim. Additionally, Atkins paid Ashland $2.25 million, and was sentenced to two years' probation and community service in 1990. Atkins was remorseful in statements to a federal judge, claiming "I have no excuse for my actions" and "I think some anger of resentment... short-circuited my brain."

Atkins served in the Army infantry during World War II and received two Purple Hearts for injuries sustained in France and in Germany. At the time of his death, Atkins had five grandchildren.