Freeh seeks court-ordered return of nearly $240,000 in oil spill claim money from Ala. man

The former FBI chief appointed to investigate the BP oil spill claims process is seeking the return of nearly $240,000 from an Alabama man and his maritime business.

Louis Freeh, in a federal court filing this week, says the man claimed to have made the bulk of his 2009 income for himself and his business from shrimping — revenue that was shut off by the 2010 Gulf oil spill.

Freeh contends most of the 2009 revenue came not from seafood harvesting, but from marine debris cleanup work, meaning the man wasn't entitled to money for lost seafood sales.

Freeh says the federal court in New Orleans should order Jay Zirlott of Theodore and his business to repay $239,519.

Zirlott did not return a call seeking comment Wednesday.