Massey Energy Foreman to Change Plea On West Va. Safety Drills

Massey Energy foreman is expected to plead guilty to one misdemeanor charge stemming from his failure to conduct required safety drills.

U.S. District Judge John Copenhaver has scheduled an April 9 hearing on David Runyon’s decision to change his plea.

Runyon pleaded not guilty in February to a five-count indictment accusing him of violating federal safety standards by skipping mandatory evacuation drills and falsifying records.

Runyon’s lawyer, Nick Preservati, said his client will plead to one charge of failing to follow a safety standard.

Runyon worked at Massey’s Aracoma Alma No. 1 mine where two miners died in a January 2006 fire. Runyon was not involved in the fire.

Runyon’s actions were uncovered during the fire investigation.