(WWJ) With no readable expression on his masked face, former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder appeared via Zoom video from the Genesee County Jail on Thursday for an arraignment on criminal charges in connection with the Flint water crisis.
Seated beside his attorney, Brian Lennon, Snyder remained silent in his navy sportcoat while the charges — two misdemeanor counts of willful neglect of duty — were noted by the Genesee District Court Judge Christopher Odette.
After waiving the formal reading of the rights, an assistant state Attorney General and Snyder's lawyer each had a chance to address the judge regarding bond.
The AG's office asked for a "reasonable bond" for Snyder, requesting also that — as he's a "man of means" with international contacts — that he surrender his passport.
Richard Dale Snyder mugshotGenesee County Sheriff
Lennon countered that request by asking for no travel restrictions, noting that Snyder is the first former governor since William Milliken to have stayed in Michigan after leaving office. "He's not a risk of flight or a danger to the community," Lennon said.
The only time Snyder spoke during the proceeding was to say "Yes, your honor,' which asked by the judge if he currently lives in Michigan.
Odette agreed with Lennon that it was not necessary for Snyder to surrender his passport. The judge set a $10,000 personal bond for each count, with the standard conditions that Snyder appear for any future court hearings and that he abide by any directions of the court. The only travel restrictions set were that Snyder does not leave the state without the court's permission, and that he notify the court of any change of address or telephone number.
Snyder's next court date, a pre-trial hearing, was scheduled for Jan. 19, before Judge William H. Crawford.
The water crisis began in 2014 after officials authorized switching from the Detroit water system to the Flint River as a water source for Flint in a money-saving move. Lead infiltrated the system through aging pipes, leading dangerously high lead levels in drinking water in the city. The issue was then blamed for a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease.
In total, nine people have been charged by Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Prosecutor Worthy as part of the criminal investigation into the crises. The most serious charges include multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter against two former health officials.
The following details were released by the Attorney General's Office on Thursday:
Jarrod Agen – Former Director of Communications and Former Chief of Staff, Executive Office of Gov. Rick SnyderOne count of perjury – a 15-year felony
Gerald Ambrose – Former City of Flint Emergency ManagerFour counts of misconduct in office – each a five-year felony and/or $10,000 fine
Richard Baird – Former Transformation Manager and Senior Adviser, Executive Office of Gov. SnyderOne count of perjury – a 15-year felonyOne count of official misconduct in office – a five-year felony and/or $10,000 fineOne count of obstruction of justice – a five-year felony and/or $10,000 fineOne count of extortion – a 20-year felony and/or $10,000 fine
Howard Croft – Former Director of the City of Flint Department of Public WorksTwo counts of willful neglect of duty – each a one-year misdemeanor and/or $1,000 fine
Darnell Earley – Former City of Flint Emergency Manager Three counts of misconduct in office – each a five-year felony and/or $10,000 fine
Nicolas Lyon – Former Director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Nine counts of involuntary manslaughter – each a 15-year felony and/or $7,500 fine One count of willful neglect of duty – a one-year misdemeanor and/or $1,000 fine
Nancy Peeler – Current Early Childhood Health Section Manager, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Two counts of misconduct in office – each a five-year felony and/or $10,000 fineOne count of willful neglect of duty – a one-year misdemeanor and/or $1,000 fine
Richard Snyder – Former Governor of MichiganTwo counts of willful neglect of duty – each a one-year misdemeanor and/or $1,000 fine
Eden Wells – Former Chief Medical Executive, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Nine counts of involuntary manslaughter – each a 15-year felony and/or $7,500 fineTwo counts of misconduct in office – each a five-year felony and/or $10,000 fineOne count of willful neglect of duty – a one-year misdemeanor and/or $1,000 fine
All of the defendants turned themselves in and were arraigned Thursday.
"When an entire city is victimized by the negligence and indifference of those in power, it deserves an uncompromising investigation that holds to account anyone who is criminally culpable. That is what all residents in this state are entitled to, regardless of their ZIP code. And that is what this prosecution team did. Our approach was simple—where we believed the evidence would prove a criminal charge, we sought and obtained indictments for those crimes," said Hammoud, in a statement.
"We must remember that the Flint Water Crisis is not some relic of the past," Hammoud added. "At this very moment, the people of Flint continue to suffer from the categorical failure of public officials at all levels of government, who trampled upon their trust, and evaded accountability for far too long. We understand that our work is not done and although the criminal justice system alone cannot remedy all the suffering that every person endured, we took our part seriously. We hope others will do the same to ensure this never, ever happens again."
Copies of the nine indictments announced today are available here.
