Ex-coal mine chief joins small club: charged CEOs

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Don Blankenship joined a small club when he was indicted on federal charges in the 2010 West Virginia mine explosion that killed 29 people.

The former Massey Energy CEO is accused of conspiring to violate safety and health standards at Upper Big Branch Mine. The 64-year-old Blankenship faces up to 31 years in prison if convicted.

University of Virginia law professor Brandon Garrett tracks corporate prosecutions and has written a book on the subject, "Too Big to Jail."

He said Thursday that since 2001, of the 280 companies that escaped prosecution by agreeing to pay a fine and change their operations, just 26 of their CEOs have been charged.

Blankenship’s lawyer, William W. Taylor III, said in a statement that his client is innocent and predicted he will be acquitted.

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