Summary: Over five years since the West Virginia coal mine explosion, the CEO of Massey Energy was sentenced to one year in prison, one year probation, and a hefty fine.
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Blankenship was convicted December 3 of a misdemeanor conspiracy to willfully violate mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine. No prison sentence and no amount of money can bring back the 29 men who lost their lives at Upper Big Branch, but my honest hope is that this sentence can offer some measure of closure for the families of those miners.
“This gentleman needs at least a year away from his luxurious lifestyle for reflection on what he did and how his greed led to the annihilation of 29 lives”, Dr. Judy Jones Petersen, whose brother Dean Jones was killed in the disaster, said in an interview.
Blankenship was acquitted of felonies that could have stretched his sentence to 30 years.
While speaking to the court, Blankenship maintained his innocence on the conspiracy charge. “Instead of being able to tout you as a West Virginia success story, we are here as a result of your participation in a risky conspiracy”.
“I am gratified that Don Blankenship was found guilty of violating mine safety laws and that he received the maximum sentence available for that crime”.
Outside of the courtroom following sentencing, Blankenship spoke only briefly about the reactions of those who lost their loved ones.
The investigators said they found defective equipment, which burst into flames when methane gas mixed with coal dust. “It’s a lot of emotion and that’s understandable”, Blankenship said to reporters.
Don Blankenship’s attorneys vowed to fight the conviction, saying Blankenship was badly portrayed by persecutors. Join us in a conversation about world events, the newsgathering process or whatever aspect of the news universe you find interesting or important.
Blankenship will not be required to pay restitution to former miners and their family members. “Her not allowing us to actually, finally, to say something to that man is not right”.
Blankenship, 66, a Republican, spent heavily to back politicians and judges friendly to the coal industry, according to state reports.
Twenty-nine people died at Upper Big Branch.
“How come you never come to apologize to me personally?” “Mr. Blankenship feels a certain relief to have this phase behind him”.
Another said he just wanted the mining executive to say he’s sorry. “I see no signs of remorse or acceptance of responsibility from him”.
“We are very happy”.
“I miss my family”.
During the trial, more than two dozen witnesses, including coal miners who worked at Upper Big Branch, testified about unsafe working conditions at the mine, violations of U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration regulations and organized efforts to obstruct and interfere with MSHA inspectors, according to the government’s release.
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The judge denied a motion by Blankenship’s attorney that he should remain free pending appeal.
