For weeks there have been reports that the FBI is investigating Massey Energy for possible criminal neglect following last month’s deadly mine explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in Montcoal, W.Va. On Friday, that news was confirmed, when the DoJ warned the Labor Department, which is investigating possible civil charges, not to interfere with the agency’s criminal investigation.
“Given the ongoing criminal investigation, we request that MSHA petition the … judge for a stay of the pending civil actions pertaining to UBB until the criminal matters are resolved,” U.S. Attorney Charles T. Miller wrote to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Part of the criminal probe, Miller noted, “involves whether Performance Coal and its directors, officers and agents engaged in willful criminal activity at UBB.”
Just another thing Massey shareholders can discuss tomorrow, when they meet in Richmond for their annual meeting.
h/t: The Charleston Gazette.