Flint water crisis gets special counsel for investigation
FLINT, Mich. - Michigan's attorney general has named a former prosecutor as special counsel to investigate whether laws were broken during the process that left Flint with lead-tainted water.
Bill Schuette said Monday that former Wayne County assistant prosecutor Todd Flood will spearhead his office's probe with assistance from Andy Arena, the former head of Detroit's FBI office.
The Republican attorney general also said his office is reviewing what can be done to prevent Flint residents from being billed for water.
Schuette's office represents both the people of Michigan and state government.
Schuette says appointing the special counsel will prevent conflicts between him, his investigation team and the team defending the state against water-related lawsuits.
Republican Gov. Rick Snyder has apologized for regulatory failures and other things that led to Flint's crisis. Federal investigations also are underway.
Schuette said the former prosecutor and a former head of the Detroit FBI will play key roles in his office's investigation into Flint's water crisis.
Schuette issued an update on the investigation Monday morning, saying in a statement that all involved "will do our job thoroughly and let the chips fall where they may."