Former MI Gov. Snyder To Face Charges In Flint Water Probe: AP

FLINT, MI — Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and other state officials have been told they're being charged in connection with the Flint Water Crisis, according to multiple reports.

The AP, citing two people with knowledge of the planned prosecution, reported Tuesday that Snyder and former state health director Nick Lyon were being charged in an investigation through the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

The Detroit News also reported that in addition to those two, Snyder's top aide, Rich Baird, and up to seven others who were in the Snyder administration could be charged as soon as Thursday.

The nature of the charges has not been determined, however.

Courtney Covington Watkins, a spokesperson with the Michigan Attorney General's Office, said the department would share more information about the charges soon.

"Not in a position to comment on the details of the team’s ongoing investigation, but they are working diligently," she said.

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.

This story is being updated as more information becomes available.

Information and reporting from the Associated Press was used in this report.