CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says the lead prosecutor in the landmark trial of former Massey Energy boss Don Blankenship should replace former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin.
Manchin (D-W.Va.) recommended President Barack Obama nominate Steve Ruby as the next U.S. Attorney for West Virginia’s Southern District after Goodwin resigned last month to run for governor.
“I think he’s a tremendous attorney,” Manchin said on Wednesday’s 580 Live. “I thought Steve was a natural.”
Ruby, 37, of Lincoln County, has served as the assistant U.S. Attorney for the last seven years.
He led the prosecution that resulted in Blankenship’s Dec. 2015 conviction of conspiring to break mine safety laws at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County. Twenty-nine miners lost their lives there in a 2010 explosion.
After a two-month trial, the jury found Blankenship not guilty of securities fraud and making false statements. Also, Ruby carried out several other prosecutions of Massey officials connected to operations at UBB.
“The highest of integrity and the quality of work that he does,” Manchin said of what makes Ruby stand out. “Just the way he carries himself and everything. I think he represents West Virginia very well.”
Ruby attended Duke University and went to law school at Washington and Lee University.
“I have the highest regard for everybody in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, I just believe that Steve is the right person to take that leadership,” Manchin said.
Manchin said he also worked with U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) to agree on the recommendation.
Manchin’s request will go to the President who will then decide who should be nominated for the position. The U.S. Senate will then have to approve the nominee.
Carol Casto currently serves as the acting U.S. Attorney.