Ex-Kentucky Mine Regulator Charged with Falsifying Records

A former government mine safety analyst has been indicted on charges of falsifying multiple reports while working for the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing.

Betty Sue Whitaker of Hazard faces 58 counts of tampering with public records after an investigation by the Office of Special Prosecutions in the attorney general’s office.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

The indictment alleges that Whitaker falsified reports pertaining to several different mines between October 2007 and December 2008.

A safety analyst’s primary responsibility is to help miners avoid accidents by observing their work habits and correcting unsafe actions.

Whitaker is scheduled to be arraigned on Aug. 6 in Franklin County circuit court.