Roommates, it appears some justice may come for the victims of the Flint water crisis. The crisis resulted in twelve people dead and more than 80 others ill. According to CNN, it was announced that former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and eight others, including members of his staff, officials from the City of Flint, and state public health officials, will be facing charges.
In a news conference today, Prosecutors announced the lengthy list of charges for former Gov. Rick and those involved. Former Gov. Rick is facing two counts of willful neglect of duty. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Flint Public Works Director Howard Croft has pleaded not guilty to two counts of willful neglect of duty. According to the state’s penal code, the charges both men face are misdemeanors, which are punishable with up to one year in prison or a fine of up to $1,000.
Nicholas Lyon, the former Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), faces nine counts of involuntary manslaughter — each a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison — and one count of willful neglect of duty. Eden Wells, the state’s former Chief Medical Executive, faces nine counts of involuntary manslaughter, one count of willful neglect of duty, and two counts of misconduct in office, each punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Jarrod Agen, former Director of Communications and Chief of Staff for former Gov. Rick, faces one perjury count. Former City of Flint Emergency Manager Gerald Ambrose was charged with four counts of misconduct in office, each count punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Richard Baird, a former Senior Adviser in Gov. Rick’s office, faces many charges, including perjury, misconduct in office, obstruction of justice, and extortion.
Darnell Earley, former state-appointed Emergency Manager for Flint, faces three counts of misconduct in office. Lastly, Nancy Peeler, the current Early Childhood Health Section Manager at MDHHS, faces two counts of misconduct in office and one count of willful neglect of duty.
Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud, one of the prosecutors leading the investigation, spoke to CNN and stated, “The Flint water crisis is not some relic of the past. At this very moment, the people of Flint continue to suffer from the categorical failure of public officials at all levels of government who trampled upon their trust and evaded accountability for far too long.”
Roommates, we will keep you updated as other information becomes available. Want updates directly in your text inbox? Hit us up at 917-722-8057 or click here to join!
