ARCHIVE

MSHA mine inspector impersonates cop

FEDERAL officials have acknowledged reports that initially emerged late last week of a US Mine Sa...

Donna Schmidt

This article is 12 years old. Images might not display.

According to various reports from June 7, including that of the Associated Press, federal inspector Jason Tyler Skeens, 37, told police officers on June 3 at a vehicle accident scene that he was a federal officer.

Pikeville police officer Josh Lawson, who issued an arrest citation stemming from the incident, said Skeens repeated several times that he was a federal law enforcement officer.

Skeens is, in fact, an MSHA mine inspector, though it is unclear if he works for the district for which Pikeville has jurisdiction.

According to the AP, he has been charged with driving under the influence, carrying a concealed deadly weapon, impersonating an officer and other charges.

It is not known if he was detained.

The news service reported that no listing for Skeens could be found in records for the Pike County Detention Center.

ILN asked for more information from an MSHA spokesperson, including Skeens’ employment status and any planned punishment, but the agency declined to speak on the incident.

“Since this was a law enforcement matter, we are not commenting on it,” spokeswoman Amy Louviere said.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence: Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024

Exclusive research for Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation and Digitalisation Report 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech

editions

ESG Mining Company Index: Benchmarking the Future of Sustainable Mining

The ESG Mining Company Index report provides an in-depth evaluation of ESG performance of 61 of the world's largest mining companies. Using a robust framework, it assesses each company across 9 meticulously weighted indicators within 6 essential pillars.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2024 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of exploration trends and technologies, highlighting the best intercepts and discoveries and the latest initial resource estimates.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets