"Ex-governor Rick Snyder was leading the state when the city’s water became tainted in 2014."
"FLINT, Mich. — A queue of cars stretched for more than a half mile outside a church in Flint on Thursday morning, filled with residents waiting for free cases of bottled water, as they have since tainted water began streaming out of their taps six years ago.
Miles away in downtown Flint, something more novel was happening: A line of state officials, most prominently Rick Snyder, the former governor, were charged with crimes connected to the crisis.
After a criminal investigation that stretched close to two years, prosecutors in Michigan on Thursday announced 41 counts — 34 felonies and seven misdemeanors — against nine officials who once worked in the highest echelons of state government. Along with the former governor were his trusted advisers, top medical officials and two emergency managers who had been tasked with guiding Flint out of financial distress.
Prosecutors said the officials failed to protect the safety and health of the residents of Flint, who were sickened by increased levels of lead and by Legionnaires' disease after the city’s water supply was switched to the Flint River in April of 2014. At least nine people died of Legionnaires’ in the Flint region from June of 2014 through October of 2015; two of the officials on Thursday were charged with nine counts of involuntary manslaughter."
Kathleen Gray and Julie Bosman report for the New York Times January 14, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"List of Officials Charged In Flint Water Crisis, Allegations" (AP)
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