Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced the arrest and arraignment of Rajinder Singh Minhas, a director at Lockhart Chemical Company, on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. These charges are related to the alleged mismanagement and neglect that led to an unauthorized oil discharge into the Flint River in 2022.

Minhas, who held positions as president, treasurer, and director of Lockhart, is facing several serious charges. These include "Falsely Altering a Public Record" and "Uttering and Publishing a False or Altered Public Record," both carrying potential 14-year prison sentences. Other charges involve substantial endangerment to the public, discharge of injurious substances into state waters, false statements regarding air pollution control, and general violations of air pollution control laws.

In addition to these felonies, Minhas faces 11 misdemeanor offenses for violating hazardous waste statutes. Convictions could lead to him bearing all corrective action costs associated with these violations. He also faces nine misdemeanor violations under the State’s Liquid Industrial Waste law for improperly handling industrial by-products.

Attorney General Nessel emphasized that business operators have a duty not to jeopardize public health or environmental safety. She stated: “Blatant neglect and disregard of this responsibility cannot be tolerated.”

Phil Roos from EGLE highlighted Michigan's commitment to protecting its water resources: “Water is a defining feature in Michigan.” Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R. Swanson added his support for holding polluters accountable: "It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep our world safe."

The incident occurred on June 15, 2022, when approximately 15,000 gallons of an oil-chemical mixture were released from Lockhart's facility into the Flint River. Subsequent investigations confirmed that the material matched what was leaving Lockhart’s premises.

Following this event, EGLE issued an order requiring Lockhart to cease using defective systems immediately and manage wastewater appropriately. The company has since filed for bankruptcy while state officials work with federal agencies to prevent further incidents.

Minhas is scheduled for his next court appearance on January 2, 2025.