Former Detroit FBI head chosen to investigate Flint water crisis

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Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette launched an independent investigation into the Flint water crisis.

He has picked former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's attorney and the former head of the Detroit FBI field office to lead the investigation specifically how Gov. Snyder handled the crisis.

The decision in Flint is already drawing fire

But many are already questioning whether the team he chose is in the state's pocket.

"What the citizens of Flint want, desire and deserve is what laws may have been broken," said Schuette.

Michigan's Republican attorney general is hiring at taxpayers' expense a host of private attorneys to dig into the Snyder administration's handling of the flint water crisis.

Detroit attorney Todd Flood and former Detroit FBI head Andy  Arena leads the team.

"The facts will lead us to the truth," Arena said. "We go into this with no preconceptions. To be honest, I have not looked at one document on this case. What I know about is this case is what I've learned from you."

But the ink was hardly dry on the news release when the criticism came rolling.

Michigan Common Cause raised "serious questions about the potential conflict of interest in hiring a man who has made political contributions."

That man, Flood, says the contributions will not sway him one way or the other.

"I have contributed to both sides of the aisle," he said. "I've contributed to the Democrats and the Republicans."

Flood also has a private law firm. could there be a conflict of interest there with other clients?

"I've consulted with an ethics attorney," Flood said. "I still will have my firm running and there will be cases that I have to handle but very little. This is my case, this is my life."

State Democratic party Chair Brandon Dillon argues that Schuette's decision is "incomprehensible" and may not ensure an impartial investigation.

Flood argued that he has no preconceived notions and will likely interview the governor and will likely want all of Snyder’s emails, text messages and cell phone records.

"We will use all the tools we have available with us at law," Flood said. "Whatever the case may be, we're going to use all the proper tools and follow the integrity of the law."

Michigan taxpayers through the state legislature will pick up the tab for all this, but at this rate, the attorney general has no idea what he will pay these new hires.

"We're working it out right now and we'll let you know at the proper time," Schuette said.

Meanwhile, a Detroit lawmaker is asking the Unites States attorney general's office to remove Schuette and his team from this investigation.