Don Blankenship, former CEO of Massey Energy, is on trial for charges related to the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mining disaster that killed 29 miners. The charges include three felony charges for violating mine safety standards & interfering with government inspections. These charges have relatively light sentences. He is also charged with lying to security regulators & securities fraud. These charges have the most severe sentences, up to 25 or 30 years.
The Don Blankenship trial has been noted for its secrecy. After the indictment, the judge in the case imposed a gag order so complete that it was impossible for the press to find out anything about what was happening. The press was eventually successful in getting this gag order lifted. Don Blankenship also has a very aggressive defense, objecting to just about everything. You will see evidence of the secrecy and the aggressive defense in the actions this past week.
Details after the orange cheese doodle.