Blankenship Sentenced to Year in Prison


Apr 8, 2016

Don Blankenship, the former CEO of Massey Energy who was convicted in December of the misdemeanor of conspiring to violate mine safety laws, has been sentenced to a year in prison and a $250,000 fine. Blankenship's prosecution resulted from the the investigation of the Upper Big Branch mine explosion, which killed 29 miners, in the Coal River community on April 5, 2010. 

Blankenship remains free for the time being and is appealing the conviction. More details about the sentencing, trial, and families' reactions are at http://www.wvgazettemail.com/blankenship