FLINT, MI (WTVB) – It was a dramatic morning in Genesee County courtrooms as former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and eight other government officials were charged for their alleged involvement in the Flint water crisis.
Snyder has been charged with two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty. The charge has a maximum penalty of up to a year in jail and a fine of $1,000.
Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud accused the former Governor of willfully neglecting Flint residents and that he failed to protect their health and safety.
Snyder’s attorney Brian Lennon called the case a travesty. He added in a written statement, “These unjustified allegations do nothing to resolve a painful chapter in the history of our state. Today’s actions merely perpetrate an outrageous political persecution.”
The crisis came about after Snyder’s Emergency Manager decided to use the Flint River for water in order to save money back in 2014. Authorities say it led to at least 90 cases of Legionnaires’ Disease and 12 deaths.
A total of 41 charges were filed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office.
Former state health director Nick Lyon is facing nine counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Former M.D.H.H.S. Chief Medical Executive Eden Wells was charged with nine counts of involuntary manslaughter as well as misconduct in office and willful neglect of duty.
Snyder’s former top aide Rich Baird was charged with extortion.
Snyder’s former Chief of Staff and Chief Director of Communications Jarrod Agen was charged with perjury.
Former Flint Emergency Manager Gerald Ambrose is facing four counts of misconduct in office.
Former Flint Department of Public Works Director Howard Croft was charged with two counts of willful neglect of duty.
Former Flint Emergency Darnell Early was charged with three counts of misconduct in office.
Nancy Peeler, who is the current Early Childhood Health Section Manager at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services was charged with two counts of misconduct in office and one count of willful neglect of duty
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