The indictments were in two separate cases that each carry stiff penalties.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky confirmed Timothy Allen Hurd, 32, was accused of nine counts of false certifications for pretending to be a mine foreman despite never being certified as one by the state’s Office of Mine Safety and Licensing.

US Attorney Kerry Harvey US Mine Safety and Health Administration assistant secretary of labor Joseph Main jointly announced the indictment, which included allegations that Hurd signed and certified safety records for pre-shift inspections between November 2010 and January 2011.

The mine where the actions occurred was not disclosed.

Hurd’s allegations stemmed from an MSHA investigation, and the US Attorney’s office was represented by Assistant US Attorney Patrick Molloy.

The miner faces a fine of up to $US250,000 or a maximum five-year prison sentence.

“However, any sentence imposed by the court following a conviction would come after the court considers the US sentencing guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences,” the agencies noted.

A federal court date has not yet been set for the case.

In a separate case also in eastern Kentucky, a Pikeville federal grand jury indicted Paul Jaston Arnett on seven counts of false statements for posing as an underground mining instructor. He also has an eighth count for making a false statement.

According to the Associated Press, Arnett – who faces the same potential penalties as Hurd if convicted on all counts – made false claims on miner training certifications.

The office of the federal court confirmed the case for ILN as 7:12-CR-1, but a request for further information from an agency spokesperson was not returned.