LONDON – A Perry County man was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday on charges that he falsely certified mine safety records by posing as a qualified mine foreman.

Vicco resident Timothy Allen Hurd, 32, is facing nine counts of false certifications following the indictment.

Hurd is alleged to have posed as a mine foreman, and nine times between November 2010 and January 2011 Hurd was alleged to have posed as a mine foreman and signed and certified safety records, though he was never certified to do so.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, mine foremen are responsible for inspecting the mine for potentially hazardous conditions before miners enter the mine. They are also obligated to document their observations in the Preshift-Mine Examiner’s Report safety book. Only approved mine personnel are qualified to examine the mine, make entries and sign the safety book.

If convicted, Hurd faces up to a $250,000 fine or a maximum sentence of five years in prison. A court date has not yet been set.