Two former contaminated water health officials in Michigan are charged with manslaughter

Flint, Michigan – Two former Michigan health officials were charged Thursday with manslaughter for the deaths of nine people who became infected with the legionnaire’s disease during the contaminated water crisis in the town of Flint.

Meanwhile, prosecutors analyzing how the city’s water system was contaminated with lead and bacteria filed charges of extortion and perjury against a key adviser to former Gov. Rick Snyder.

Snyder joined a parade of former state and municipal officials who pleaded not guilty in Genesee County Courts. He faces charges of misdemeanor for deliberate negligence in Flint for a case that was filed Wednesday night, becoming the first governor or former governor in the 184-year history of Michigan to face charges related to his term. in office.

All charges come from the evidence presented before Judge David Newblatt, who acted as an investigating jury. Special Prosecutor Fadwa Hammoud declined to provide details during a press conference but said Snyder “had not protected the health and safety” of Flint’s nearly 100,000 residents.

“There is no preferential treatment in our criminal justice system,” Hammoud reiterated. “No one – no matter how powerful or aesthetically connected is above accountability when committing a crime.”

Defense attorney Brian Lennon called the case a “farce.”