Schuette puts special counsel, FBI agent in charge of Flint investigation

In an effort to set aside conflicts of interest, Attorney General Bill Schuette announced this morning that former prosecutor Todd Flood and retired FBI agent Andrew Arena will head up the AG’s probe of the Flint water crisis

Special Counsel Flood will spearhead Schuette’s investigation and be joined by Arena. Both will report to Schuette.

Schuette said he is following past practice of Michigan AGs by establishing a “conflict wall” between his investigation team working for the public, and a separate team defending the governor and state departments against Flint water-related lawsuits.

“We will do our job thoroughly and let the chips fall where they may,” Schuette said in a statement.

“…This independent investigation will be exhaustive and thorough. Without fear or favor, I will carry out my responsibility to enforce the laws and protect the families and citizens of Flint."

Flood is a former Wayne County assistant prosecutor who worked in the homicide, drug house and trial units at the prosecutor’s office. He is now in private practice, based in southeast Michigan, handling both civil and criminal litigation.

Arena was the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Detroit field office from 2007 - 2012. He has led the Detroit Crime Commission, a non-profit organization aimed at reducing criminal activity, since 2012.