Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (Form: 8-K)  

 


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

     
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported):   June 23, 2006

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

     
Delaware 0-22664 75-2504748
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(State or other jurisdiction
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(Commission
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(I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.)
      
4510 Lamesa Hwy., Snyder, Texas   79549
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(Address of principal executive offices)
  ___________
(Zip Code)
     
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:   325-574-6300

Not Applicable
______________________________________________
Former name or former address, if changed since last report

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[  ]  Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
[  ]  Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[  ]  Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))


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Item 8.01 Other Events.

On June 23, 2006, the Company received a letter from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") indicating that it has commenced a private investigation of the Company with respect to possible securities laws violations relating to the previously disclosed embezzlement by the Company's former Chief Financial Officer, Jonathan D. Nelson. The Company and its officers and directors intend to continue to fully cooperate with and assist the SEC with respect to matters related to the embezzlement by Mr. Nelson, including this investigation.






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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

         
    Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc.
          
June 23, 2006   By:   /s/ John E. Vollmer III
       
        Name: John E. Vollmer III
        Title: Senior Vice President-Corporate Development, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer