Winslow Man Charged With Falsifying Mine Safety And Health Administration Training Records

EVANSVILLE -- Joseph H. Hogsett, the United States Attorney, announced today that Oril C. Dent, age 66, of Winslow, has been charged with preparing false safety training certifications required to be maintained by the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act. This follows an investigation by the Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration.

The information alleges that between October 2011 and April 2012, Dent operated a training business as an underground and surface coal mining safety instructor. Dent allegedly sold Mine Safety and Health Administration annual hazard certificates of training to coal hauling truck drivers who were required to receive annual hazard training, without actually providing any training to the drivers. It is alleged that Dent signed certificates of training for the drivers affirming that safety training was provided when no actual training was provided.

Joseph A. Main, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health, stated: "Miner training is a bedrock principle of safe mining practices, and those who falsify training records will be held to account pursuant to the law."

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Dent faces a maximum of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Dent had his initial hearing today and was released; no future court dates have been set.

An Information is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.