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Decision due this week in Flint water crisis case

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

This week, a judge will decide whether a top state official will face trial on charges related to the Flint water crisis.

State Health Department Director Nick Lyon has spent the past ten months listening as attorneys have argued over evidence and witness testimony in his preliminary hearing.

That ends Wednesday.

Judge David Goggins is scheduled to decide if Lyon will stand trial on involuntary manslaughter and other charges.

The prosecution argues Lyon’s failure to make public knowledge of a deadly Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Genesee County in 2014 can be linked to the deaths of two men in 2015.

Defense attorneys counter Lyon put his trust in experts, and punishing him would have a “chilling effect” on state officials.

In all, 15 current and former government officials have been charged in connection with the Flint water crisis. Four have cut plea deals.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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