Coal Tattoo

Blankenship trial ends week with juror question

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Former Massey CEO Don Blankenship leaves the federal building on Friday. Photo by Joel Ebert.

Today’s court session in the trial of former Massey CEO Don Blankenship ended with U.S. District Judge Irene Berger sending jurors home a little early — at about 4:30 p.m. — after Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg McVey completed his cross examination of former Massey chief administrative officer John Poma.

Before the jury left, though, Judge Berger announced to the courtroom that she had received a question from one of the jurors about “the nature of the charges” against Blankenship. Judge Berger then told jurors that she would eventually — after testimony has concluded — instruct them about the law that they are to apply to the case. The judge did not reveal any more information about the question from the juror.

The trial continues at 9 a.m. Monday in the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in Charleston.