Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder’s Phone Seized in Flint Water Probe

The cellphone and hard drive of former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder (R) were seized by authorities of the Department of Attorney General in Lansing, Michigan, as part of their investigation into the Flint water crisis.

Snyder is one of more than 65 other current and former officials who have had their cellphones and other information seized in relation to the investigation of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, where cost-cutting measures has led to the drinking water containing lead and other toxins.

A search warrant signed on May 19 shows that Snyder’s iPhone, iPad and hard drive were all seized.

“The prosecution is aware of substantial potential evidence that was not provided to the original prosecution team from the onset of the investigation,” Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud said in a statement to CNN. “The team is currently in the process of obtaining this evidence through a variety of means, including search warrants.”

Meanwhile, Snyder pushed back on the idea that the devices were obtained coercively and stated that he handed them to authorities before his term ended.

I am dialing back the RPA a bit today. The stories coming out about my state phone and computer are very sloppy and misleading. I gave my phone and all that stuff to the AG’s office before I left office. Why the AG’s office is executing a search warrant on itself I cannot say.

— Rick Snyder (@onetoughnerd) June 5, 2019

Snyder’s attorney Brian Lennon said in a statement Tuesday that Snyder had “intentionally and voluntarily left his cell phone and other electronic devices with the Attorney General’s office when his term of office ended.”

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Snyder, a Republican, served as governor from 2011 until January 1, when Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was sworn in.

More than a dozen lawsuits, including several additional class-action suits, were filed against Michigan and the city of Flint.