New surprise charges are being issued against Dr. Eden Wells, the top doctor in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
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The new charges are Involuntary Manslaughter and Misconduct in Office. She had already been charged with Obstruction of Justice and lying to investigators in connection with the Flint water crisis. She had been looking at five years in prison but the new charges could mean 15 years in prison.
An outbreak of Legionnaires Disease related to a switch in the Flint water source caused 12 people to die dozens were sickened during 2014 and 2015.
Wells was in a Flint courtroom for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial on the original charges. Now with the new additional charges her case is on hold until November 6.
The new evidence against her came to light in the preliminary exam against her boss, State Health Director Nick Lyon who is also charged with Involuntary Manslaughter. His case is also on hold until next month.
