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Michigan’s ex-water chief arraigned in Flint

Posted at 4:52 PM, Aug 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-03 16:52:59-04

FLINT, Mich. (AP) — Michigan’s former top drinking water official has appeared in court on charges related to the Flint water crisis.

Liane Shekter Smith was accompanied by her attorney Wednesday, less than a week after she was charged by the attorney general’s office. She’s charged with misconduct in office, a felony, and willful neglect of duty, a misdemeanor.

Shekter Smith is accused of concealing evidence of lead in Flint’s drinking water and failing to tell public health officials about problems. Her attorney, Brian Morley, says she’s a “very professional lady who did nothing wrong.”

Shekter Smith is among six people charged last week in the Flint water case, joining three who were charged last spring.