Genesee News

A former Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) employee will not be charged in the criminal cases related to the Flint Water Crisis.

Attorney Mary Chartier told NBC 25 News that Robert Scott was among the eight MDHHS employees whose charges were dropped by Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammound.

Hammound and her office reviewed the charges brought by former special prosecutor Todd Flood and questioned Flood’s investigative approach and legal theories.

“We are pleased that this decision not to charge Mr. Scott essentially confirms what the attorney general recognized as a candidate — that this was a political prosecution against a dedicated public servant,” Chartier told NBC. “Mr. Scott was a public servant who made the best professional judgment he could, while in the midst of a fast-moving and evolving public health crisis.”

She added that her client was ensnared in what she labeled a "runaway train" of an investigation and prosecution.

“All he did was dedicate himself to helping Michigan’s children throughout the entire state, including those in Flint,” Chartier told NBC. “These charges were a grave injustice, given his well-known dedication, as well as the lack of probable cause or any evidence of wrongdoing.”

Michigan employed Scott for more than 20 years. He retired from the MDHHS earlier this year.

It has been a year since Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office dismissed all pending charges against officials who had been accused of contributing to the Flint Water Crisis.

Scott’s former boss, Nick Lyon, was among the cadre of the acquitted. The dismissals received a negative reception from many Flint residents.

Melissa Mays, the head of the nonprofit Water You Fighting For, told NBC 25 News that the attorney general’s actions left her shocked and angry. “It was a horrible day, week, (and) year,” Mays told NBC. “So it’s been pretty bad. And of course, nothing’s come of it. I wish that a year ago, I was wrong.”