Ex-CEO of mine that blew up, killing 29, indicted

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Don Blankenship, the steely-eyed executive once dubbed "The Dark Lord of Coal Country," is facing decades in federal prison in connection with the nation's deadliest mine disaster in 40 years.

A federal grand jury indicted the former Massey Energy CEO today on numerous counts of conspiracy, making him the highest-ranking executive charged in the April 2010 underground explosion that killed 29 men at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Montcoal, W.Va.

The 43-page 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."

His attorney, William W. Taylor III, said in a statement that Blankenship "is entirely innocent of these charges. He will fight them and he will be acquitted."

"Don Blankenship has been a tireless advocate for mine safety," the statement said. "His outspoken criticism of powerful bureaucrats has earned this indictment. He will not yield to their effort to silence him. He will not be intimidated."

But Pam Napper, whose son, Josh Napper, was among the miners who died that day, said "it's about time" Blankenship was called to account.