Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship asks to postpone arraignment, is denied

The Charleston Gazette
Monday, November 17, 2014
Blankenship asks to postpone arraignment, is denied
By Ken Ward Jr., Staff writer

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A federal judge has turned down a request from longtime Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship to postpone his initial court appearance, scheduled for Thursday afternoon in Beckley.

U.S. Magistrate Judge R. Clarke VanDervort entered an order denying Blankenship’s “requested postponement” of the hearing, according to a summary of the action listed on the federal court computer system. VanDervort issued a summons that directed Blankenship to appear for the hearing.

Blankenship faces a four-count indictment that alleges he conspired to violate mine safety rules, hamper federal safety enforcement and lie to securities regulators and investors. The indictment does not allege Blankenship caused the April 5, 2010, explosion that killed 29 miners at Massey’s Upper Big Branch Mine, but focuses on the former CEO’s alleged actions at the Raleigh County operation...

...On Friday, U.S. District Judge Irene C. Berger issued a broad gag order that restricts access to all documents in the Blankenship case to court personnel and parties. Berger also ordered lawyers and parties in the case, as well as victims and families of victims, not to talk to the media about the case....

- See more at: http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20141117/GZ01/141119318/1419#sthash.5NtsuDf5.dpuf