Prosecutor Comments On Blankenship Verdict

A federal prosecutor says the conviction of former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship on a misdemeanor charge marks a “landmark day for the safety of coal miners.” U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin made the comment at a news conference Thursday after the verdict was announced in Blankenship’s criminal trial in Charleston. 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. He was also acquitted of making false statements and securities fraud. Upper Big Branch Mine exploded in 2010, killing 29 men.