Michigan

Lawyers for former Gov. Snyder argue Flint water crisis charges filed in wrong county, should be dismissed

Snyder accused of not properly responding to controversy about Flint’s water

Rod Meloni, Reporter, CFP ®

Kayla Clarke, Senior Web Producer

Associated Press

Published: March 9, 2021 at 5:46 PMUpdated: March 10, 2021 at 7:13 AM

FLINT, Mich. – Lawyers for former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder are pushing to get the trial moved from Flint to Lansing.

On Tuesday, lawyers clashed over whether Flint water indictment against former Gov. Rick Snyder was filed in the wrong county and should be dismissed.

A judge promised to make a decision within seven days. Snyder is charged with two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty.

READ: Lawyers seeking 32% of $641M Flint tainted water settlement

He’s accused of not properly responding to the controversy about Flint’s water, which was drawn from the Flint River but not treated to reduce corrosion.

Lead leached from old pipes. Defense attorney Brian Lennon says Snyder’s office was in Ingham County so an indictment in Genesee County doesn’t fit.

READ: More Flint water crisis coverage