Four former managers and supervisors at a Franklin County coal mine have been federally indicted on charges stemming from an underground fire in August 2021. According to the indictment, miners were kept underground and coal production continued during all or portions of three shifts while crews unsuccessfully attempted to extinguish the fire. Prosecutors allege the defendants failed to evacuate the mine or notify federal mine safety officials as required. A fifth former mine manager, Brandon Timothy Parsons, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to defraud MSHA in a related case. Federal prosecutors said the charges reflect the importance of protecting miners and ensuring safety hazards are properly reported and investigated.