Former Blankenship Colleague Testifies

A former coal executive who was dealt a prison sentence for mine violations is testifying in the criminal trial for his old boss, ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship. In Charleston federal court Thursday, former Massey executive David Hughart began testifying as part of a plea deal. In 2013, Hughart was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for conspiring in an illegal scheme to warn miners and other subsidiaries of surprise safety inspections. Hughart will be released December 12. Hughart implicated Blankenship in the conspiracy during his plea hearing, even though he didn’t work at Upper Big Branch.