STOVER SENTENCED Former Massey Security Chief To Spend Three Years In Prison
Reported by: Kennie Bass
Videographer: John Tincher
Web Producer: Kennie Bass
Reported: Feb. 29, 2012 8:24 PM EST
Updated: Feb. 29, 2012 8:39 PM EST
EYEWITNESS ONLINE WEBCAST VIDEO C L I C K T O P L A Y
Beckley
, West Virginia
60-year old Hughie Elbert Stover is sentenced to three years in prison after being convicted of lying to investigators in the wake of the UBB explosion that killed 29 men.
U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin cited Massey Energy's "culture of concealment" and said that Stover had repeatedly lied and concealed evidence.
He asked District Judge Irene Berger to hand down the maximum punishment of 25 years.
Former UBB foreman and block superintendent Gary May testified about the warnings given when MSHA inspectors were around. He's reached a plea deal with prosecutors on a charge of conspiracy.
The federal courtroom was packed with family members of UBB victims. When Berger announced the sentence many began weeping...and said later Stover deserved more jail time.
Stover was convicted of lying to investigators about early warnings given when MSHA inspectors were on mine property...and for ordering a subordinate to destroy thousands of UBB security-related documents.
In addition to his prison time, Stover will serve two years on supervised release and pay a 20-thousand dollar fine.
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Kennie Bass
