 As a result of Meier's connection to Watergate, and exposing illicit CIA activities, Meier faced numerous politically motivated legal problems.In the 1970s, Meier was indicted and arrested for tax evasion, and the mine claims were a source of legal trouble.The Hughes Tool Company, which was no longer under the control of Howard Hughes, was suing him for $8 million and in March 1978 was awarded a judgment of $7.9 million.