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Judge Rules Against Ex-Coal CEO in Several Document Motions
By: Associated Press
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BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) – A judge has ruled against ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship in motions over documents in his criminal case.
In Beckley federal court Monday, Judge Irene Berger issued four orders that don’t favor Blankenship.
He is charged with conspiring to violate safety standards at Upper Big Branch, a former Massey mine where an explosion killed 29 men in 2010.
Berger ruled prosecutors don’t have to produce a bill of particulars, including names of unindicted co-conspirators, instances in which Blankenship was a conspirator, which mine safety violations Blankenship allegedly committed willfully, and other information.
Berger wrote that prosecutors already produced mine safety documents requested, and she found no reason for a special hearing or private court review of witness interview notes.
Berger ruled Blankenship must produce reciprocal discovery after missing a deadline.