Summary of "Lawless Planet" Episode: "Coal, Con Men and a Kidnapping Scheme"

Released on July 28, 2025 by Wondery

Introduction

In the gripping episode titled "Coal, Con Men and a Kidnapping Scheme," Lawless Planet delves into a complex narrative intertwining environmental degradation, corporate corruption, and personal tragedy within the coal mining industry. Host Zach Goldbaum guides listeners through the mysterious disappearance and subsequent reappearance of Larry "LJ" Price Jr., unraveling a web of deceit that exposes the dark underbelly of one of America's largest coal mines, Signal Peak.

The Disappearance of LJ Price

The episode opens on April 18, 2018, with Amy Price desperately calling 911 to report her husband, LJ Price, missing from their home in Bluefield, Virginia. LJ, a prominent figure in the coal mining sector, had been acting increasingly troubled, hinting at potential dangers months before his disappearance. Despite extensive search efforts, LJ reappears nearly 24 hours later under suspicious circumstances, setting off a chain of investigative events.

Zach Goldbaum notes at [00:31]: LJ's sudden vanishing act was just the beginning of uncovering deeper issues within the coal industry.

Signal Peak's Operations and Corruption

Signal Peak, the coal mine where LJ held a vice-presidential position, stands out amidst a declining U.S. coal industry. Despite overall reductions in coal consumption, Signal Peak remained operational, raising suspicions about its financial practices. The mine's promotional efforts mask a reality of financial instability and questionable activities.

John Teeling, a retired FBI agent, reflects at [04:25]: "Coal mining isn't coming back. It's time to get real about it."

Ellen Pfister's Activism

Ellen Pfister emerges as a pivotal character, representing grassroots resistance against Signal Peak's environmental violations. Her family's longstanding connection to the land and her mother's early activism against coal mining set the stage for Ellen's determined fight to protect their ranch in Montana's Bull Mountains. In 2015, Ellen discovers a massive subsidence crack on her property, directly implicating Signal Peak in environmental destruction.

At [24:24], Ellen states: "We had four springs. After they finished undermining, we only had one left."

FBI Investigation

Agent John Teeling's investigation into LJ Price's disappearance uncovers a vast embezzlement scheme involving over $20 million through wire fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes. His inquiries reveal that LJ Price was operating a Ponzi scheme, using funds to lavish gifts on miners and cover up workplace injuries to maintain the company's facade.

Agent Teeling shares at [31:16]: Price claimed, "Every person has a price."

Legal Proceedings and Fallout

In May 2018, LJ Price is indicted alongside several Signal Peak executives. The investigation exposes widespread corruption, including bribery of public officials and falsification of safety records. Despite these revelations, Signal Peak faces minimal penalties, highlighting the challenges of holding large corporations accountable.

Zach Goldbaum summarizes at [35:51]: "Signal Peak was charged with numerous violations but fined just $1 million."

Environmental Impact

The environmental toll of Signal Peak's operations is profound. Ellen Pfister details the irreversible damage to her ranch, including the destruction of natural springs and the destabilization of the land. The mine's continued operations pose significant threats to local ecosystems and contribute to broader environmental degradation.

Ellen Pfister emphasizes at [43:24]: "Coal has an outlaw heart. So where does that leave the battle of the Bulls?"

Current Status and Ongoing Struggles

Despite legal actions and public outcry, Signal Peak seeks to expand its operations, facing resistance from local communities and environmentalists. A federal judge's rejection of the expansion plans underscores the ongoing conflict between economic interests and environmental preservation. However, recent administrative changes have complicated efforts to curb Signal Peak's activities.

Zach Goldbaum reports at [43:52]: "A federal judge ordered a new environmental impact study, but the Trump administration intervened."

Conclusion

"Coal, Con Men and a Kidnapping Scheme" paints a vivid picture of the intersection between environmental activism and corporate malfeasance. Through the lens of LJ Price's downfall and Ellen Pfister's unwavering resistance, the episode underscores the profound impacts of unethical practices in the coal industry. As Signal Peak continues its contentious operations, the battle between economic interests and environmental stewardship remains unresolved, highlighting the ongoing struggle to protect our planet from similar threats.

Ellen Pfister concludes at [43:52]: "We've seen more droughts in the last 25 years than we saw in the previous 40 or 50 in this area."

This comprehensive exploration by Lawless Planet not only uncovers the layers of corruption within the coal mining industry but also celebrates the resilience of individuals committed to safeguarding the environment against powerful adversaries.