Authorities seize ex-Michigan governor’s phone in Flint water investigation

Authorities have seized former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s (R) phone in their investigation of the Flint water crisis, The Associated Press reported Monday.

The seizure comes after a Flint judge signed off on warrants for data from the state-owned mobile devices of 66 current or former Michigan lawmakers, including Snyder, according to documents obtained by the AP through public records requests.

{mosads}Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy confirmed to the AP that they executed a series of search warrants related to the criminal investigation of Flint’s lead-contaminated water but declined to comment further.

One warrant seeks content from Snyder’s cellphone, iPad and computer hard drive, per the AP.

The warrants seek data from several members not charged in the probe, including Snyder, former Environmental Quality Director Dan Wyant and various people who worked in Snyder’s office, with Lt. Gov. Brian Calley being one of them.

Under Michigan law, the affidavit that Hammoud submitted to get the judge’s signature will not become public for 56 days. Prosecutors can also seek to suppress it longer. Officials with the offices named in the warrants told the AP that they are complying.

The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the drinking water source for the city was changed from Lake Huron to Flint River, resulting in dangerous toxicity levels.

Several criminal and civil cases have accused state and local officials of being responsible for the crisis.