Finally. Ex Massey CEO responsible for coal mine explosion that killed 29, charged

[cali]

— 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.

<snip>

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]

1. Yes, send him to prison and

take away all, I mean ALL, of his money.

[malaise]

2. About time

He lied and lied about that explosion

[cali]

4. read the whole linked story, malaise. It's beyond disgusting

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]

7. We had lots of threads on it at the time

He is a total and complete criminal of a scumbag but he has friends in high places...in those multiple government agencies.

[Fuddnik]

3. About fucking time.

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]

5. Families react to Blankenship indictment: ‘Thank God it has finally happened’

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 can’t even believe it. Thank God, he’s 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]

6. That no good murdering tea bagging CEO walking free for the last 4 years has been a disgrace to

our legal system!

Hopefully the dead miners will finally have some justice!

[lonestarnot]

8. Hope they bury that bastard in a concrete wall 20 ft thick with bars.

[theHandpuppet]

9. Better yet, a mine

A mine a couple of miles down, pitch black, damp and choking with coal dust and methane.

[Fuddnik]

10. Does he have to be dead first?

[theHandpuppet]

11. Oh no, not dead

Just lower his ass into the mine and leave him there.

[bullwinkle428]

12. I'm trying to think of any potential challengers this guy would have

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.