Beckley, WV – A longtime Massey Energy Co. executive recently pleaded guilty to conspiring to impede the Mine Safety and Health Administration and violate safety laws.

David Hughart, former president of Massey’s Green Valley Resource Group, is the highest ranking official charged in the ongoing federal investigation of Massey, according to a press release from U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

Hughart admitted to conspiring to violate health and safety laws and hiding the violations by giving advance notice to mining operators when MSHA inspectors would be arriving. He faces up to six years in prison and a $350,000 fine.

Massey Energy is the former owner of West Virginia's Upper Big Branch mine, where an explosion killed 29 miners in 2010.