BECKLEY, W.Va. — Former Massey Energy president and CEO Don Blankenship is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate judge Thursday, 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.
Thursday’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 Thursday. U.S. District Judge Irene Berger placed a gag order on the case late last week.