Former MI Gov. Rick Snyder Charged In Flint Water Crisis: Report

Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has been charged in connection with the Flint Water Crisis, according to multiple reports.

The Detroit News reports that Snyder will be arraigned Thursday on two counts of willful neglect of duty. The News reports the crimes are misdemeanors and could net Snyder up to $1,000 in fines or a year in jail.

Snyder, a Republican who has been out of office for two years, was governor when Flint switched its water source from the city of Detroit to the Flint River to save money in 2014, while under the control of a state-appointed emergency manager, the Associated Press reported. State environmental regulators advised Flint not to apply corrosion controls to the water, which was contaminated by lead from aging pipes.

Residents quickly began complaining that the water was discolored and had a bad taste and smell. They blamed it for rashes, hair loss and other health concerns, but local and state officials insisted it was safe, the Associated Press reported.

Researchers with Virginia Tech University reported in summer 2015 that samples of Flint water had abnormally high lead levels. Shortly afterward, a group of doctors announced that local children had high levels of lead in their blood and urged Flint to stop using water from the river.

Snyder eventually acknowledged the problem, accepted the resignation of his environmental chief and pledged to aid the city, which resumed using Detroit water.

Researchers said in late 2016 that lead was no longer detectable in many homes. But residents used bottled water for drinking and household needs for over a year, and trust issues remain between the residents and the water provided to them.

Information and reporting from the Associated Press was used in this report. Joey Oliver contributed to this report.

This is a breaking news story. Refresh for the latest.