Involuntary Manslaughter Charges Brought Against Several Flint Health Officials
The Michigan Attorney General's office recently decided to charge the Michigan Health Director, Nick Lyon, and four other officials with involuntary manslaughter charges for their involvement in the Flint water crisis.
Those charged are accused of failing to act responsibly on a Legionnaires' disease outbreak that was believed to be associated with lead-poisoning problems. These five individuals are now the highest-ranking officials who have been charged over the water crisis. The involuntary manslaughter charges relate specifically to the death of Robert Skidmore who was one of the individuals who died from the disease.
It's alleged that those who have been charged, failed to responsibly notify Flint residents of the potential dangers relating to the water. Researchers suggest that the water issues in the area are to blame for the number of deaths that occurred since back in 2014 over an outbreak of Legionnaires.
And they aren't done laying charges just yet. It's alleged that a number of other officials are also going to be charged over the matter, like the former Flint Emergence Manager, former Flint Public Works director, former state environmental officer, and the state water supervisor.
Lyon, aside from the involuntary manslaughter charge, has also allegedly been charged for obstructing university researchers who were attempting to investigate whether or not the Legionnaires cases were linked to the Flint water crisis. And during a probable cause conference that took place just a few days ago, it was reveled by one prosecutor that new evidence might warrant the need to modify criminal charges against the defendants. That new evidence allegedly links at least three deaths from Legionnaires to the issue with the city water.
The state of Michigan has also recently decided to sue the city of Flint for their refusal to adopt a water deal with a Detroit-area system. The problems aren't over just yet. People in the region have been told that it is safe for them to drink the water again, but who can blame them for being a little skeptical of what authority figures there are telling them; it's no wonder many are still heavily relying on filters and bottled water etc.
Speculation is also growing that the governor himself, Rick Snyder, might even face criminal charges over the incident.
Since the incident took place in Flint and gained global attention, at least 15 different local and state officials have been charged for their alleged involvement in the matter. When asked at a news conference as to why charges haven't yet been filed against Snyder, the response was that charges are only filed when there is enough evidence to establish a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed.
This is one very costly legal battle, and it's estimated that at least $14 million has already been spent on hiring dozens of different attorneys from a variety of law firms around the US. The Attorney General's office is alleged to have put together an impressive legal team that has the task of bringing charges against a number of former and current state employees over their actions relating to the water crisis.
Despite the charges against Lyon and others, Gov. Snyder has since said that he will be keeping Lyon in his current position as the Human Services Director. It's also alleged that Snyder has been both privately and publicly defending the names of Lyon and another one of his cabinet members who was charged. Despite the allegations over their negligence, the governor allegedly still holds complete “faith and confidence” in their abilities.
Pics:
Pixabay
Sources:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/03/30/health/legionnaires-disease-flint-water-crisis-study/index.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/06/an-involuntary-manslaughter-charge-in-the-flint-water-crisis/530280/
http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/health-chief-4-others-charged-with-manslaughter-in-flint-michigan-1.3458511
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2017/06/lyon.html
http://www.news1130.com/2017/06/28/michigan-sues-flint-after-council-refuses-to-ok-water-deal/
https://patch.com/michigan/flint/snyder-next-flint-water-crisis-criminal-target-5-op-ed-observations
http://nationalpost.com/pmn/health-pmn/michigans-legal-bills-for-flint-water-crisis-top-14m/wcm/a816234e-4957-42e1-8f18-ac7082fe9199
https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2017/06/17/michigan-governor-defends-cabinet-members-charged-in-flint-water-crisis.html
Related Posts:
Lead Poisoning Found To Be Higher Among Children In California Than Flint
Michigan Residents Pursue Class Action Lawsuit Against EPA Over Flint Water Crisis
Flint Water Lawsuit Gets Dismissed By Judge
https://steemit.com/news/@doitvoluntarily/flint-water-lawsuit-gets-dismissed-by-judge
Yep "complete “faith and confidence” in their abilities". It takes some ability to be able to scam and poison so many people.
It's crazy world, who knows why something like this happened , but if your in charge taking safety procedures is top top priority. We see a lot of businesses due to neglect gaining large financial losses. However this loss was a loss of someone's soul. Sad times
It is the right verdict, they all should be punished.
Wow ... horrendous news ... i was surprised to read this news
@doitvoluntarily - Hmmm, such neglect happens in developed countries too? My stint in Africa and my Indian experience shows that dereliction of duty by public officials is quite common. I was under the impression that it does not happen in developed countries. At least, in this case, the negligent officials were brought to justice. Perhaps that is the difference. That does not happen in many developing countries. Thanks for sharing. Upvoted
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this neglect happens in places where Caucasians arent predominately present.
I like it
i think more people of government are involve in this
Awesome post.
Thats quite interesting!!!!!!!
They always have someone to blame. I think those officials dont want that to happen as well. But ofcourse they need to do their job to make sure the community have enough safe dringking water.