(MPRN-Lansing) Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has spent $2 million dollars so far in the criminal investigation into the Flint water crisis.
The spending records were obtained as the result of a freedom of information request by The Detroit News. It shows much of the money was spent on salaries, phones, computers, and other equipment for a team of 40 lawyers and investigators hired for the job.
Andrea Bitely with the attorney general’s office. She says the new unit of outside investigators and attorneys was necessary because most of the lawyers working in the office have defended state agencies that are under investigation.
“The individuals that are working for the AG on the investigation have never represented state departments in such a way that they would be compromised in any way,” she said. “…It is the best solution and the most-efficient way to ensure that we find justice for the families of Flint.”
Bitely also said the six-month effort is showing results:
“In that time, we’ve had more than 40 people working on the investigation. We’ve charged nine people with 25 felonies and nine misdemeanors.”
The investigation is ongoing, and Bitely says there could be more people charged with more crimes before it’s over.
