Former Massey Energy president and CEO
Don Blankenship is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate judge today,
his first appearance after being named in a four-count federal indictment last
week.
Federal prosecutors allege Blankenship,
64, knew about the myriad of safety problems at the Upper Big Branch mine in
the months leading up to the massive explosion in April 2010 that killed 29
miners. The charges allege Blankenship conspired to cover up the problems so
the profitable mine could produce more coal.
Today’s hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m.
before U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Clarke VanDervort. Blankenship asked earlier
this week for the hearing to be postponed but the request was denied.
The indictment also alleges Blankenship
lied about Massey’s safety record in the day’s after the UBB explosion in order
to lessen the blow the blast had on Massey stock. He’s charged with securities
fraud.
There won’t be any comments about the case outside of the
courtroom however. U.S. District Judge Irene Berger placed a gag order on the
case late last week.
