Six public workers charged in Flint water crisis

(FLINT) — Michigan officials say four public employees charged with crimes related to Flint’s lead-contaminated water crisis have been suspended without pay. The Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services departments said Friday that two workers from each department are off the job for now. They are Adam Rosenthal and Patrick Cook from the DEQ and Nancy Peeler and Robert Scott from HHS. The Associated Press couldn’t reach the employees for comment. The two other people charged Friday had either already retired or were fired. Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office filed the charges. He says they hid the truth about Flint’s problems. The struggling city used the Flint River water for 18 months to save money. Residents consumed improperly treated water that released lead as it coursed through aging pipes. Elevated levels of the toxin were discovered in children. Three public workers previously were charged.