Federal judge who drank Flint water steps aside in case over replacing city's lead water pipes
A federal judge who drank the water while temporarily assigned to work in a Flint, Michigan, courthouse over a four-month period in 2014 has recused himself from a lawsuit concerning the supply pipeline.
U.S. District Judge Mark Goldsmith, who currently sits in Detroit, said he has no bias against the state or the city. However, he agreed to step aside at the request of the defense in the case, reports the Associated Press.
The suit seeks replacement of pipes that are leaching lead into the city’s water supply.
The defense in the case argued that Goldsmith and his staff could become parties in class-action litigation that is ongoing concerning the quality of Flint’s drinking water. Multiple suits claim that officials in charge of the system ignored quality standards and lied to residents as they made changes that introduced high levels of lead into residents’ water.
Criminal cases are also being pursued against two state regulators and a city utility official.
Related coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Lawsuits seek $250M due to Flint, Michigan, water supply issues”
Michigan Radio: “Flint water suit hits roadblock in federal court”
WDIV: “Federal judge dismisses class action lawsuit over Flint water crisis”
