Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said two state employees charged in connection to the Flint water crisis will remain on duty and have his "full faith and confidence."
Nick Lyon, the head of Michigan's health department, and the state's chief medical officer, Dr. Eden Wells, were charged Wednesday.
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Lyon is charged with involuntary manslaughter in the investigation of Flint's lead-contaminated water, all blamed in the death of an 85-year-old man who had Legionnaires' disease. Lyons is accused of failing to alert the public about an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in the Flint area, which has been linked by some experts to poor water quality in 2014-15. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Wells was charged with obstruction of justice and lying to an investigator.
Snyder released this statement Wednesday:
"Nick Lyon has been a strong leader at the Department of Health and Human Services for the past several years and remains completely committed to Flint's recovery. Director Lyon and Dr. Eden Wells, like every other person who has been charged with a crime by Bill Schuette, are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Some state employees were charged over a year ago and have been suspended from work since that time. They still have not had their day in court. That is not justice for Flint nor for those who have been charged. Director Lyon and Dr. Wells have been and continue to be instrumental in Flint's recovery. They have my full faith and confidence, and will remain on duty at DHHS."
Here are the others who face charges:
- Darnell Earley, who was Flint's emergency manager when the city used the river;
- Howard Croft, who ran Flint's public works department;
- Liane Shekter Smit and Stephen Busch. Shekter Smith and Busch were state environmental regulators.
MORE: Michigan AG explains why Governor Snyder hasn't been charged in Flint water probe
Flint Mayor Karen Weaver released this statement:
"I’ve said from the very beginning, anyone who had a part in the man-made water disaster that occurred in the City of Flint needs to be held accountable. The deaths that happened because of Legionnaires' disease has been yet another tragedy the people of Flint have been faced with as a result of the water crisis. Manslaughter is a serious charge. It’s good to see that state Attorney General Schuette and his team are taking this matter seriously by bringing such serious charges against those who they believe didn’t do enough to address this public health threat, or to alert the Flint community about it.
I hope that Flint residents will see these charges and know that the fight for justice continues. We all are waiting to see what else the investigation uncovers."