Man gets jail time for role in mine blast, implicates CEO
A fourth person is going to jail in connection to a mine explosion that killed 29. (Source: WSAZ/CNN)
Posted: Mar 01, 2013 1:12 AM CST Updated: Mar 01, 2013 1:33 AM CST
BECKLEY, WV (WSAZ/CNN) - An investigation into a mine explosion that killed 29 men has sent several people to prison. On Thursday, David Hughart learned he, too, faces time behind bars after admitting to playing a role in some major safety violations.
David Hughart pleaded guilty to conspiracy in connection with the mine explosion nearly three years ago at the Upper Big Branch Mine that killed 29 men in Raleigh County, W.V.
He admitted to making sure workers underground were given advanced warnings about surprise inspections - this way they could fix any violations before inspectors arrived.
When a federal judge asked him who gave those orders, Hughart said the chief executive officer did.
His name wasn't mentioned in court, but the CEO at the time was Don Blankenship.
Blankenship's been the center of controversy several times, but has never been charged in connection with the violations.
Instead former employees - like Hughart - are paying the price.
"He is a man of integrity and dignity and he was threatened numerous times to lose his job if he did not answer correctly," said Hughart's wife Karen.
"My father never did step foot on the property of UBB. He's never been on that property. He's never been underground there," Jonathan Hughart said.
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
