It is interesting to see the headlines from the NYTimes – Former Massey Energy C.E.O. Guilty in Deadly Coal Mine Blast and Politico – Coal baron convicted for mine safety breaches.  Both headlines focus on the conviction of the CEO.  The Wall Street Journal headline says – Jury Convicts Former Massey CEO Don Blankenship of Conspiracy - but does say in smaller print below this headline "Former executive found not guilty of securities-related charges after deadly West Virginia mining accident."

Yes, it is important to note that a CEO was convicted here of workplace related safety violations and this was after a deadly accident.  But what is also important is that CEO Blankenship was found not guilty of the serious charges that he initially faced.  What started as a 43 page indictment by the government (see here), ended as a misdemeanor conviction on one count.  William W. Taylor, III of Zuckerman Spaeder LLP was the lead on this defense team.   

(esp)