Ex-CEO of VA Coal Company Won’t Have to Pay $28M in Restitution According to Federal Judge Ruling

By

The convicted ex-CEO of Massey, Don Blankenship, won't have to worry about paying $28 million in restitution to a coal producer after a federal judge ruled on Monday. Blankenship was charged over the mine explosion that killed 29 people.

Judge Irene Berger said ex-Massey Energy chief Blankenship is not obliged to pay Alpha Natural Resources, which acquired Massey after the blast in 2011, ABC News Go reports. The judge's decision was favorable for the ex-CEO of the Virginia-based coal company because it avoids an extensive blow to his personal fortune. Blankenship earlier refuted to disclose his personal assets to the prosecutors. The coal company filed bankruptcy in August.

As per Berger's order, the coal company incurred $10 million in mine safety violation fines. It also allotted $4.3 million in representing seven former Massey officers and workers who joined the investigation in the mine explosion, CNBC reports. The order also claimed that Alpha spent $13.5 million to collaborate with the investigation of the Upper Big Branch's explosion.

The lawyers of the ex-CEO of the coal company also filed a motion to discharge 94 other from former Massey coal miners and family members' claims for restitution. Alpha and the U.S. attorney's office in the South Virginia haven't commented on Berger's ruling.

© 2025 Lawyer Herald All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Join the Discussion
More Law & Society
Florida Crooked Sheriff_06132025_1

Florida Sheriff Who Threatened to Kill Protesters Has History of Corruption, Racial Profiling and Bribery Accusations

Las Vegas Police Protest

WATCH: Las Vegas Couple Arrested While Live Streaming After Telling Officers to 'Honor' Their Oath

Hegseth Kicked Out_06122025_1

Hegseth Dodges Question About 'Political Allegiance to Trump.' Congressman Tells Him to 'Get the Hell Out'

Hegseth Courts_06122025_1

Hegseth Refuses to Answer If He Would Follow Court's Decision on Deploying Marines to Los Angeles: 'This Is Not My Lane'