AG won't represent state workers named in Flint lawsuit

FLINT (AP) — Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office will not represent current and former state employees named in a lawsuit over Flint’s lead-contaminated drinking water.

The Detroit News reports that a federal judge has approved the removal of three assistant attorneys general listed as legal counsel for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality staffers and ex-staffers.

Attorney General Bill Schuette’s office can continue representing the state and Gov. Rick Snyder if conflict-of-interest waivers are obtained from those named in the lawsuit filed by four Flint families.

Schuette has said his office can’t defend both Snyder and individual employees because of potential conflict of interest.

He has said the state would pay for special attorneys to represent the current and former employees.