Hughie Elbert Stover, Upper Big Branch Security Chief, Should Receive Maximum Sentence, Feds Say

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Prosecutors want to make an example of a former security chief at West Virginia's Upper Big Branch mine who was convicted of lying to investigators after the worst mine disaster in four decades.

U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin says Hughie Elbert Stover deserves the maximum possible sentence of 25 years in prison. Goodwin says Stover's actions contributed to the 2010 disaster that killed 29 men.

In a sentencing recommendation reported by the Charleston Gazette (http://bit.ly/z3Vdsm), Goodwin says U.S. District Judge Irene Berger could send a message that the federal government cares about mine safety crimes.

He says a tough sentence would deter bad conduct for an industry that's closely watching the outcome.

But defense attorney Bill Wilmoth says the 60-year-old Stover deserves no jail time. He wants probation or home confinement.

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Comments

[Genders]

05:54 PM on 02/16/2012

Example? Equal application of the law for all violations should be the example.

Yes, throw the book at him, and all the others too.

[mijjy]

11:29 AM on 02/16/2012

My first, and then last, thought were the same: The Federales had BETTER want the maximum. Bill Wilmoth is literally, banking on the hope that attention will waver and be diverted. Time again for more push back, where's my list? More to push back 'up The Hill'.....

[addisonsteele]

06:28 PM on 02/15/2012

25 years in a coal mine might be appropriate.

[mijjy]

11:32 AM on 02/16/2012

I like how you're thinking - and leads me to 'the Massey owners' should be there, too.

[blurredmolly]

06:02 PM on 02/15/2012

anything less that 25 years is not enough.

[mijjy]

11:24 AM on 02/16/2012

AGREED, and F&F