Ex-coal CEO Blankenship asks for delay in start of prison

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Attorneys for former coal executive Don Blankenship want to delay his entry into prison this week.

In an emergency motion in the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, Blankenship’s attorneys wrote that he’s slated to head to prison Thursday in California. But the court has not ruled on whether the former Massey Energy CEO should stay free until his larger appeal is decided.

Prosecutors replied that Blankenship’s motion is redundant.

Blankenship was sentenced April 6 to a year in prison and a $250,000 fine for conspiring to wilfully violate mine safety standards at Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia.

The coal mine exploded in 2010, killing 29 men.

Blankenship’s attorneys say he could serve much, or all, of his sentence before an appellate decision is reached.

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