94 People Denied Restitution Claims in Blankenship Case

Ninety-four people who sought restitution from former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship won’t be getting paid. Blankenship’s defense team filed a motion asking the federal court judge to deny the claims, saying the claims seek money that the restitution statute does not authorize. US District Judge Irene Berger agreed Tuesday. This follows a ruling she made Monday when she denied a push by prosecutors to make Blankenship pay $28 million in restitution to Alpha Natural Resources. At his sentencing today, Blankenship faces up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for willfully violating federal mine safety and health standards at the Upper Big Branch Mine.