Flint residents skeptical when it comes to water charges

Image 1 of 3

Gov. Rick Snyder calls the criminal charges in the Flint water crisis "deeply troubling."

In the meantime many Flint residents are not satisfied with today's charges - they are demanding that prosecutors go after the top brass - especially the governor.

For the most part, Flint residents were not allowed inside Wednesday's announcement on criminal charges and the residents FOX 2 spoke to, say it was nothing more than a distraction.

"They have pinned this on some low level people," said Gladys Williamson, who carried a "Fill Snyder with lead" sign. "We want chiefs."

Residents waiting outside called for Gov. Snyder to be on the list when the next wave of charges comes down.

"I feel that this is a distraction," said Liasia Williams. "I mean it's good that charges have been brought down on some individuals, but we need charges brought down on Snyder."

One person who has been charged is Mike Glasgow, a utility administrator for the city of Flint.

"Right now, he's on leave. As of today we did put him on leave and we're waiting to see how things turn out," said Flint Mayor Karen Weaver.

Inside Wednesday's press conference, Flint's mayor sat front row to hear the charges announced, saying the residents have been waiting for the process to begin and charging the people responsible for contaminating the water.

"We want anybody and everybody that had a hand in this that caused harm to the citizens of this community to be held accountable," Weaver said.

FOX 2: "Are you truly confident that everyone will be investigated equally, all the way up to the top?"

"I hope so, I hope so," she said.

But outside Williamson is skeptical.

FOX 2: "Do you feel everyone, even to the top, will be investigated equally?"

"No, there is not going to be anything equally distributed here," she said. "Because they've already decided who they're going to pin this on and it won't be anybody held accountable on a high level."

Flint native Ellis Stafford is state investigator, and he got choked up when sharing his personal experiences during the water crisis.

FOX 2: "When you hear from residents saying this is nothing more than a distraction, these are low level guys, what can you tell them?"

"We always start at the bottom," Stafford said. "If you get lucky to start at the top or middle, that's wonderful. They don't have faith in the system and I can understand that. I just say believe in me, Give me a chance."