CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The United States Attorney's Office, in accordance with Department of Justice policy, does not ordinarily confirm or deny the existence or status of an investigation. However, in light of the substantial publicity and numerous media inquiries, and in the interest of the community and public, United States Attorney Charles T. Miller announced that "The United States Attorney's Office is ready, willing and able to receive any information and/or investigative reports regarding the explosion and subsequent deaths of the twenty-nine miners at the Upper Big Branch Mine in Raleigh County, West Virginia." Miller stated, "If the investigation undertaken by the Mine Safety and Health Administration reveals that criminal violations have occurred, we will work vigorously with investigators to pursue those offenses to the fullest extent of the law."

 

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