Judge Ok’s Blankenship Travel Plans

After being convicted on a misdemeanor, ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship wants to go home for the holidays and asked a judge for permission this week. U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Clarke VanDervort granted the defense’s request Thursday, allowing Blankenship to head back to Nevada to visit family between Dec. 19 and Jan. 5. Blankenship was found guilty last week of conspiring to willfully violate mine safety rules at Upper Big Branch, and travel had been restricted. His sentencing hearing on the misdemeanor has been rescheduled for 10 a.m. April 6 in Charleston.