Blankenship Acquitted on Some Charges

Finally a decision from the jury….Ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship was convicted of a misdemeanor count connected to a deadly coal mine explosion at Upper Big Branch in 2010, and acquitted him of other charges. Blankenship was convicted Thursday of conspiring to willfully violate mine safety standards. The misdemeanor charge carries up to one year in prison. He was acquitted of a more serious conspiracy charge that could have netted five years in prison. He was also acquitted of making false statements and securities fraud.