This post is from Joel Ebert, who is covering the Don Blankenship trial with Ken Ward Jr.

Testimony of former Performance Coal Co. president Chris Blanchard continued this afternoon in the criminal trial of Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship.

At one point during Blanchard’s testimony, Assistant U.S. Attorney Steve Ruby asked Blanchard how much money he earned in 2008 and 2009.

Blanchard told jurors he made about $400,000 a year, including bonuses.

Upon hearing that, the courtroom could clearly hear a reaction from an audience member, who said, “Geeze.”

When the jury was dismissed for the afternoon recess, U.S. District Judge Irene Berger reminded the audience there should be no audible responses to any testimony by any of the witnesses during the trial.

Blanchard’s testimony was scheduled to resume at 3:15 p.m. and is expected to last through the rest of the day.