State of MI to Charge Former Gov. Snyder Over Flint Water Crisis

Rick Snyder, Michigan's former governor, is facing charges for his role in the Flint water crisis.

The charges come from state Attorney General Dana Nessel who is also charging Snyder's health director and other officials at the time. WXYZ Detroit reports that one of the charges include involuntary manslaughter since several Flint residents, including children, died from legionnaires disease -- a form of pneumonia caused by the legionella bacteria.

WXYZ says former Gov. Snyder admitted that in order to save money he asked the city of Flint to turn off water supply to residents from the Detroit River and switch it to the Flint River. However, saving money came at the expense of lives since the Flint River wasn't a treated water system and eventually caused lead poisoning as the water traveled through old pipes. The crisis occurred between 2014 and 2015 but Michiganders (and the rest of the country) weren't made aware of it until 2016.

News of the charges was leaked to the Associated Press but formal charges and an announcement to the public are expected soon. If convicted, Governor Snyder could face 15 years in prison for his role.

Snyder's lawyer rebased a statement on Tuesday saying the charges are "outrageous."

Rather than following the evidence to find the truth, the Office of Special Counsel appears to be targeting former Gov. Snyder in a political escapade (via Associated Press).

Back in August, Governor Whitmer announced that the state would award $600 million to Flint and 33,000 residents.