Full Breakdown
Michigan AG Releases Final Report on Flint Water Crisis, Explaining Absence of Criminal Convictions
8/26/2026, 10:47:07 PM
Core Event: Release of the Flint Water Crisis Investigation Report
On Tuesday, Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a 100-plus-page document detailing the state’s criminal investigation into the Flint water crisis. The report, described by the AG’s office as the most complete public accounting of the case, outlines investigative decisions, evidence collected, and the legal strategies that ultimately failed to produce any convictions.
Background & Context
In April 25, 2014, Flint switched its water source from Detroit to the Flint River to save money. Corrosive river water caused lead to leach from aging pipes, exposing residents—especially children—to dangerous blood-lead levels. State health officials initially declared the water safe, but doctors soon reported elevated lead in Flint children’s blood. The crisis prompted a state of emergency in early 2016 and a series of water-infrastructure bills.
Data & Statistics
- The investigation generated 220 incident reports and collected 1,067 pieces of physical evidence, including cell phones, laptops, iPads and documents.
- Prosecutors filed 42 criminal charges against nine defendants, among them former Governor Rick Snyder, former state health director Nick Lyon, and former chief medical executive Eden Wells.
- A one-person grand jury issued indictments in January 2021, but all were dismissed after the Michigan Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that the grand-jury procedure was unconstitutional.
- A 2020 judge approved a $626 million settlement for Flint residents and others exposed to lead-contaminated water.
- Taxpayers spent an estimated $7.6 million on defense costs; $2.57 million covered Snyder’s attorneys and $1.93 million covered Lyon’s.
Official Statements & Responses
Nessel emphasized that her team acted in good faith, noting that the one-person grand jury was a “smartest possible move” at the time and could not have been foreseen as unconstitutional. The office also highlighted that redactions were required by state law protecting grand-jury material. The report urges lawmakers to repeal the secrecy statute so future grand-jury transcripts can become public records.
Criticism & Opposition
Flint resident activist Melissa Mays argued the report “offers none of that” information residents sought and accused the AG of “stealing” any chance of justice. Former health director Nick Lyon claimed the report “intentionally lacks facts or context.” Critics note that replacing the original special prosecutor and restarting the case with a one-person grand jury ignored community pleas to maintain the earlier investigative path.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I hope this offering revealing the inner workings of our dedicated investigators and prosecutors who helmed this yearslong effort and the facts and evidence which guided them may tell one part of the story of the Flint water crisis, and put the truth in the hands of the people of Flint who deserve it the most,” — Dana Nessel
- “We want to know why, and she could offer us none of that,” — Melissa Mays
- “This report is not the justice the victims of the Flint water crisis deserve,” — Dana Nessel
- “I scanned the section that had my name on it, and as you can imagine, I think it intentionally lacks facts or context,” — Nick Lyon
What’s Next
The report calls on the Michigan Legislature to amend the law that bars release of grand-jury material, a step the AG says is needed to create a “historical record” for public scrutiny. No further criminal actions are planned, as the AG’s office has declared the prosecutions closed.
*All figures and statements are drawn from the Attorney General’s report and contemporaneous public statements.*
