The Detroit News reports that five officials linked to the Flint Water Crisis have been charged by the Michigan Attorney General with involuntary manslaughter charges. The charges carry penalties up to 15 years in prison and a $7,500 fine.

Among those charged is the director of Michigan's health department, Nick Lyon. Lyon is also reportedly charged with misconduct in office, carrying a five year prison sentence and $10,000 fine.

Former Flint Emergency Manager Darnell Earley, former Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Drinking Water Chief Liane Shekter-Smith, state Water Supervisor Stephen Busch, and former Flint Water Department Manager Howard Croft are also charged with involuntary manslaughter as the Attorney General's office accuses them of not telling the public about a Legionnaires' disease outbreak in the city that killed 12 people and sickened nearly 80 others in 2014 and 2015. These four individuals have also had less serious charges levied against them.

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