Don Blankenship faces 29 federal charges , including conspiracy and making false statements . He oversaw the U.S. mine that exploded in decades , killing four workers . Blankenship 's attorney says he will fight the charges , and be acquitted . The counts carry a maximum combined penalty of 31 years in prison , according to the Justice Department . ` The Upper Big Branch explosion was one of the worst Blankenship mine disasters in decades .
Don Blankenship faces 29 federal charges , including conspiracy and making false statements . He oversaw the U.S. mine that exploded in decades , killing four workers . Blankenship 's attorney says he will fight the charges , and be acquitted . The Upper Big Branch explosion was one of the worst Blankenship mine disasters in decades .