Associated Press Published

Man Pleads Guilty in W.Va. Mine Kickback Scheme

Arch Coal

  A Delbarton man has pleaded guilty to spearheading a kickback scheme at an Arch Coal mine in southern West Virginia.

David Runyon’s guilty plea came Thursday in U.S. District Court in Charleston. He faces up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines for extortion and tax evasion.

Judge Thomas Johnston said Runyon’s plea agreement includes $1 million in restitution to Arch and about $426,000 to the IRS.

Federal prosecutors say companies had to pay kickbacks to Arch employees for business at the Mountain Laurel mining complex in Logan County.

Prosecutors say kickbacks totaled nearly $2 million from 2007 to 2012.

Runyon was Mountain Laurel’s general manager.

He is among 10 men who’ve pleaded guilty to various charges related to the scheme.

His sentencing will take place Nov. 19.