A certified mine operator from Marissa, Ill., was sentenced to two years probation for making false mine preshift examination reports.
Larry Neal, 57, is required to complete 150 hours of community service as a condition of probation.
The probation comes as a result of Neal falsifying a mine preshift examination report on March 19, 1999, at the Marissa Mine, operated by Peabody Coal Co.
Mine preshift examinations test for hazardous conditions including the presence of methane and oxygen deficiency.
Neal had falsified mine preshift examination reports a couple times per week for several years.
As a result of his conduct, Neal lost his job and has permanently lost his certification as a mine examiner.
He is additionally required to pay a fine of $500 and a special assessment of $100.
The incident was investigated by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).
by Virginia Sutcliffe