AP reported that a federal judge has granted another delay in the case of former Massey Energy shareholders who say the coal operator lied to them about its safety record to inflate stock prices.

Last week, federal prosecutors said they wanted to protect their criminal probe of the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster by withholding evidence that could help the investors' lawsuit.

US District Judge Ms Irene Berger issued an order allowing the evidence to remain secret until January 15th 2013 or until the federal government concludes its criminal investigation. She also canceled a scheduling conference set for July 12th 2012.

Assistant US Attorney Mr Steve Ruby said that he didn't want to divert his investigators' time to compile evidence for a civil case. He also argues the shareholders' case could benefit by waiting.

Source - Associated Press

(www.coalguru.com)