FBI Probing US Officials & Massey-Owner Of W Va Mine Where 29 Died (Over Possible Bribery Charges)

[kpete]

Source: NPR

FBI Probing U.S. Officials And Massey, Owner Of W. Va. Mine Where 29 Died

10:08 am

April 30, 2010

By Howard Berkes and Dina Temple-Raston

NPR News has learned that the Mine Safety and Health Administration is the target of a federal criminal investigation surrounding the explosion of the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia three weeks ago -- a disaster that killed 29 miners. The probe also targets Massey Energy, the owner of the mine.

Sources familiar with the investigation say the FBI is looking into possible bribery of officials of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the federal agency that inspects and regulates mining. The sources say FBI agents are also exploring potential criminal negligence on the part of Massey Energy, the owner of the Upper Big Branch mine.

Massey has been cited repeatedly for violations of federal safety regulations and unsubstantiated rumors have circulated for years that mine inspectors and other officials receive payoffs. The FBI declines comment and neither confirms nor denies that an investigation is ongoing.

In a statement to NPR, Massey Energy says it is not aware of the allegations, and is fully cooperating with any investigations taking place. The Mine Safety and Health Administration has yet to respond to a request for comment.

Read more: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/04/fbi_probing_fed_officials_and.html

[Kingofalldems]

1. Isn't he a Teabagger?

[foxfeet]

2. Good. Get 'em all.

K&R

[Hepburn]

3. KNR...n/t

[WildClarySage]

4. Its about fucking time

its no secret around here that Blankenship has long had the judiciary and the Mine Safety and Health Admin in his deep pockets. There's a special place in hell for that one.

[hobbit709]

5. I think he should be used as the canary in his own mines.