The Latest: Ex-coal CEO says he's not guilty of any crime

(AP) — The Latest on sentencing for former coal executive Don Blankenship, who was convicted of conspiracy to violate mine safety standards in a deadly mine explosion in 2010 (all times local):

A former coal executive sentenced to a year in prison in connection to the deadliest U.S. mine explosion in four decades says he is not guilty of any crime.

Following his sentencing Wednesday, ex-Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship said that the 29 men who died in the 2010 explosion "were great guys, great coal miners."

Former coal executive Don Blankenship has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined $250,000 for conspiracy to violate mine safety standards in the deadliest U.S. mine explosion in four decades.

Defense attorneys also are pushing to keep Blankenship out of prison until he receives a decision on the appeal his attorneys have promised.