Michigan Supreme Court Invalidates Indictments in Flint Water Crisis

A Michigan Supreme Court Ruling has determined that a one-judge grand jury did not have the authority to issue indictments in the Flint Water Crisis. That means cases against former Gov. Rick Snyder and others have been remanded to Genesee County Circuit Court. The ruling said one-judge grand juries can investigate, subpoena and issue arrest warrants, but not issue indictments.

Attorney General Dana Nessel started a new investigation into the Flint Water Crisis when she took office in 2019. She appointed Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy to head the new probe. Nine people, including Snyder, were charged in January 2021.

Genesee County Judge David Newblatt served as the one-man grand jury, reviewing the evidence and issuing theĀ  indictments. The process does not include preliminary examinations for the defendants, which justices cited in their opinion.

Nessel’s office said they are reviewing the decision.