November 13, 2014 – After months of speculation, the former CEO of Massey Energy, Don Blankenship, has been indicted. Blankenship was head of Massey when the massive explosion occurred at Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia and 29 miners lost their lives.

Booth Goodwin, U.S. Attorney, said that a federal grand jury had indicted Blankenship on several charges. The indictment said "Blankenship knew that UBB was committing hundreds of safety law violations every year and that he had the ability to prevent most of the violations that UBB was committing. Yet he fostered and participated in an understanding that perpetuated UBB's practice of routine safety violations, in order to produce more coal, avoid the costs of following safety laws, and make more money."

The indictment says that Blankenship conspired to violate standards at the mine from January 2008 until April 2010, when the explosion occurred. The indictment also says that Blankenship made false statements to the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding Massey Energy's safety practices before the explosion and later made similar statements in connection with the purchase and sales of Massey Energy stock.

Blankenship's attorney, William W. Taylor III, issued a statement which said that Blankenship "is entirely innocent of these charges. He will fight them and he will be acquitted." The statement continues "Don Blankenship has been a tireless advocate for mine safety. His outspoken criticism of powerful bureaucrats has earned this indictment. He will not yield to their efforts to silence him. He will not be intimidated."

If convicted, Blankenship could face up to 31 years in prison.