Great Lakes Wire

Rajinder Singh Minhas, a director at Lockhart Chemical Company, will face trial in Genesee County's 7th Circuit Court. Minhas is charged with four felonies linked to the unauthorized release of oil into the Flint River in 2022. The charges include falsely altering a public record and uttering and publishing a false or altered public record, both carrying potential 14-year sentences. He also faces charges for substantial endangerment to the public and discharging injurious substances to state waters.

Lockhart Chemical Company, based in Flint, was involved in producing rust-preventative additives for metalworking. On June 15, 2022, approximately 15,000 gallons of an oil-chemical mixture were released into the Flint River from Lockhart’s facility. An investigation confirmed that the mixture matched material from Lockhart’s site. Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against Lockhart in December 2024.

Nessel emphasized the importance of accountability for businesses violating environmental laws: “Serious violations by businesses that endanger the health and well-being of Michigan residents and our environment cannot be tolerated.” She acknowledged the efforts of prosecutors and various law enforcement agencies in advancing the case.

Minhas also faces charges related to air pollution control violations and multiple misdemeanor offenses regarding hazardous waste statutes. These additional charges could lead to fines up to $25,000 per day for each violation, along with incarceration if convicted.

Further allegations involve nine misdemeanor violations under the State’s Liquid Industrial Waste law. These relate to improper discharge reporting and inadequate management of industrial by-products. Each count carries potential fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per day of violation.

A pretrial date has yet to be determined.