Blankenship Opposes Financial Penalties

Ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship is opposing a prosecution push to make him pay $28 million in restitution to a coal company. In a Beckley federal court filing this week his attorneys said he shouldn’t have to pay Alpha Natural Resources for legal fees, investigative expenses and fines. Blankenship was convicted Dec. 3 of a misdemeanor conspiracy to willfully violate mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine. Alpha bought Massey in 2011. Blankenship’s attorneys wrote that now-bankrupt Alpha viewed the explosion and investigations as an opportunity to buy Massey at a lower price. Blankenship’s attorneys said restitution isn’t an option and would complicate and prolong his sentencing on April 6.