Mich. Prosecutors Drop Charges In Flint Water Investigation, But Promise New Pro

Three years after lead was detected in the drinking water of Flint, Mich., state prosecutors say they are dropping all criminal charges filed against a group of eight government officials implicated in the scandal, in favor of launching a new expanded investigation.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the dramatic shift in a statement Thursday.

“I want to remind the people of Flint that justice delayed is not always justice denied and a fearless and dedicated team of career prosecutors and investigators are hard at work to ensure those who harmed you are held accountable,” Nessel said.

In a separate statement, Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, who assumed control of the investigation in January, said they had “immediate and grave concerns” about the investigation conducted by the previous team of prosecutors. They concluded that “contrary to accepted standards of criminal investigation and prosecution, all available evidence was not pursued.”