Secret grand jury helped prosecutors beat statute of limitations deadline in Flint water case
Updated Jan 21, 2021;
Facebook Share
Most felonies and misdemeanors carry a six-year deadline for filing charges in Michigan.
The deadly decision to switch Flint’s water source from the Detroit River to the Flint River occurred on April 25, 2014. Some speculated that if charges didn’t come before April 25, 2020, it would be too late.
“April 25, 2014, is a significant date in the history of the Flint water crisis. However, we want to correct the misconception that April 25, 2020 is the deadline to bring charges against those who may be criminally liable,” said Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who are leading the Flint water investigation, in an April 2020 joint statement. “Criminal statutes of limitations vary depending on the offense and the date of the alleged criminal act.”
Flint water crisis prosecutors are holding back many of the details connected to new criminal charges against former Gov. Rick Snyder and eight others but appear to have laser focused on the connection between Flint water and outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease in the area in making the charges.
Livengood: As Snyder and advisers are charged in Flint catastrophe, executive decision-making is put on trial
Pete Marovich/Bloomberg
Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder testifies March 17, 2016 before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing in about Flint s lead-tainted water crisis.
A Genesee County grand jury indictment of Richard Dale Snyder alleges the former two-term governor of Michigan committed the misdemeanor of willful neglect of duty for failing to supervise his underlings during Flint s disastrous water switch in 2014 and 2015.
The first count of the two-count indictment says Snyder shirked his responsibilities as the state s chief executive by failing to inquire into the performance, condition and administration of the public offices and officers that he appointed and was required to supervise.
Jan 15, 2021
FLINT, Mich. (AP) Here are the former Michigan and state-appointed officials charged in the Flint water crisis, titles at the time, and charges, allegations and maximum penalties they face if convicted:
– Gov. Rick Snyder: Two misdemeanor counts willful neglect of duty; failed to inquire into the performance, condition and administration of the public offices and officers he appointed and supervised; neglected his duty to protect citizens against disaster by failing to declare a state of emergency and/or disaster when he knew of a threat in Flint. 1 year and $1,000 fine each count.
– Director of Health and Human Services Nick Lyon: Nine felony counts involuntary manslaughter. Caused the deaths of John Snyder on June 30, 2015; Debra Kidd on August 2, 2015; Brian McHugh on July 5, 2015; Du Wayne Nelson on August 7, 2015; Nelda Hunt on July 22, 2015; Peter Derscha on Aug. 17, 2015; Thomas Mulcahy on Aug. 22, 2015; Arthur Percy on Aug. 31, 2015; Patricia Schaffer on
Jan 15, 2021
FLINT (AP) Here are the former Michigan, state-appointed and local officials charged in the Flint water crisis, titles at the time, and charges, allegations and maximum penalties they face if convicted:
∫ Gov. Rick Snyder: Two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty. Failed to inquire into the performance, condition and administration of the public offices and officers he appointed and supervised; neglected his duty to protect citizens against disaster by failing to declare a state of emergency and/or disaster when he knew of a threat in Flint. One year in jail and a $1,000 fine on each count.
∫ Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon: Nine felony counts of involuntary manslaughter. Caused the deaths of John Snyder on June 30, 2015; Debra Kidd on August 2, 2015; Brian McHugh on July 5, 2015; Du Wayne Nelson on August 7, 2015; Nelda Hunt on July 22, 2015; Peter Derscha on Aug. 17, 2015; Thomas Mulcahy on Aug. 22, 2015; Arthur Percy on Aug. 31, 2015; an