The Latest: Ex-coal chief appeals in mine safety case
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The Latest on former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship's sentencing (all times local):
4:10 p.m.
Former coal company chief Don Blankenship is appealing a case that resulted in a one-year prison sentence.
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In U.S. District Court in Beckley on Thursday, the ex-Massey Energy CEO filed his notice of appeal to the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.
On Wednesday, Blankenship was sentenced to the maximum penalties of a year in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiring to willfully violate mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine.
The southern West Virginia coal mine exploded in 2010, killing 29 men.
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A jury convicted him of the misdemeanor on Dec. 3.
Judge Irene Berger declined to let Blankenship stay free on a $1 million bond while he appeals the case.
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12:20 p.m.
The former prosecutor against ex-coal company chief Don Blankenship expects him to serve his full, one-year sentence in a minimum-security federal prison.
Former U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin made the comments Thursday.
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Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ruby confirmed that time off for good behavior applies only to terms more than a year.
On Wednesday, Blankenship was sentenced to the maximum penalties of a year in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiring to willfully violate mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine.
The southern West Virginia coal mine exploded in 2010, killing 29 men.
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A jury convicted the former Massey Energy CEO of the misdemeanor on Dec. 3.
Judge Irene Berger declined to let Blankenship stay free on a $1 million bond while he appeals the case.
Goodwin left office after Blankenship's conviction to run for governor.