FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 14, 2012
STATEMENT BY U.S. ATTORNEY BOOTH GOODWIN ON AFFIRMANCE OF UBB SECURITY CHIEF’S CONVICTION
Federal appeals court panel unanimously affirms conviction of Hughie Elbert Stover “in its entirety”
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin issued the following statement today regarding a decision issued by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, which upheld the criminal conviction of former Upper Big Branch Mine security chief Hughie Elbert Stover:
“This case is an important victory for the safety of miners, so today’s decision is a welcome one,” said U.S. Attorney Goodwin. “Investigations of mine disasters serve a critical role in making mines safer. To obstruct one of those investigations, especially one involving a tragedy like that at Upper Big Branch, is reprehensible.”
“The evidence against Mr. Stover was overwhelming,” Goodwin continued, “so I am not surprised that his conviction was upheld in all respects. This case should be a powerful warning to anyone tempted to interfere with a mine safety inquiry.”
Stover’s conviction was affirmed unanimously by a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. “In sum,” the panel said, “we affirm the district court’s judgment in its entirety.”
Click here to view the Court's decision
Click here to listen to the first audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin
Click here to listen to the second audio clip from U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin
