FLINT, Mich. — Michigan’s former drinking water regulator has pleaded no contest to a misdemeanour in the Flint water investigation.
It’s a break for Liane Shekter Smith, who was facing felony charges, including involuntary manslaughter , in an investigation of Flint’s lead-tainted water and a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak.
Smith pleaded no contest Monday to disturbance of a lawful meeting and agreed to testify against others, if necessary. Special prosecutor Todd Flood praised her “candour and truthfulness.” A message seeking comment was left for Smith’s attorney.
Flint’s water was contaminated with lead when the city switched sources in 2014 and didn’t treat water to reduce corrosion. A former state health director and a state doctor are awaiting trial on involuntary manslaughter charges related to a Legionnaires’ outbreak that was blamed on the water.
The Associated Press
