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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFinally. Ex Massey CEO responsible for coal mine explosion that killed 29, charged
Don Blankenship joined a small club of executives when he was indicted on federal charges in the 2010 West Virginia mine explosion that killed 29 people.
The former Massey Energy CEO is accused of conspiring to violate safety and health standards at Upper Big Branch Mine, site of the worst U.S. coal mining disaster in 40 years. The explosion and investigation led to the overhaul of the way the federal government oversees mine safety.
University of Virginia law professor Brandon L. Garrett has been tracking corporate prosecutions since 2001 and has written a book on the subject, Too Big to Jail. In that span, of the 280 companies, including Massey, that escaped prosecution by agreeing to pay a fine and change their operations, just 26 of their CEOs have been charged, he said.
Blankenship, who retired ahead of a $7.1 billion Massey buyout by Alpha Natural Resources in 2012, could face up to 31 years in prison if convicted.
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http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/ex-ceo-of-mine-that-blew-up-killing-29-indicted/2014/11/13/846e9dc2-6b97-11e4-bafd-6598192a448d_story.html
In my opinion, he should have been charged with 29 counts of first degree murder, but this is better than nothing. I really, really want to see this disgusting piece of dog shite, get the maximum in the worst prison in the country.
joshdawg
(2,650 posts)take away all, I mean ALL, of his money.
malaise
(269,054 posts)He lied and lied about that explosion
cali
(114,904 posts)and it's shameful that he was allowed to get away with this for so long when multiple government agencies knew. And they knew.
malaise
(269,054 posts)He is a total and complete criminal of a scumbag but he has friends in high places...in those multiple government agencies.
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)I won't hold my breath to see if he does any time.
Seize all of his assets and give them to his victims. This pillar of the community and titan of industry. Board of Directors at the US Chamber of Commerce.
He needs a RICO indictment for operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise.
theHandpuppet
(19,964 posts)The Charleston Gazette
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Families react to Blankenship indictment: Thank God it has finally happened
By Kate White, Staff writer
Judy Jones Peterson has called U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin dozens of times in the nearly five years since her brother was killed in the explosion at the Upper Big Branch Mine.
Peterson wanted former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship indicted for the disaster, which killed 29 miners. On Thursday, she got her wish; a federal grand jury indicted Blankenship on four counts related to the UBB disaster.
I cant even believe it. Thank God, hes finally done it. Thank God, it has finally happened, said Peterson, whose brother, Edward Dean Jones, was killed in the explosion.
She said the indictment has restored her faith in the justice system.
- See more at: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20141113/GZ01/141119607/1419#sthash.muqmAwbI.dpuf
B Calm
(28,762 posts)our legal system!
Hopefully the dead miners will finally have some justice!
lonestarnot
(77,097 posts)theHandpuppet
(19,964 posts)A mine a couple of miles down, pitch black, damp and choking with coal dust and methane.
Fuddnik
(8,846 posts)theHandpuppet
(19,964 posts)Just lower his ass into the mine and leave him there.
bullwinkle428
(20,629 posts)in a race for the "worst American CEO in recent history", after hearing about all the shit he perpetrated running that Massey Energy company.
K&R.