Lansing, MI — The owner of a Flint chemical company is facing multiple criminal charges after a two-year investigation into a chemical spill that severely impacted the Flint River. The incident, which occurred on June 15, 2022, saw approximately 15,000 gallons of an oil-chemical mixture released into the river, causing widespread environmental damage.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Genesee County Sheriff Christopher Swanson held a joint news conference on Monday to announce the charges against Rajinder Minhas, the owner of Lockhart Chemical. The spill, which was discovered to have leaked from a facility less than a mile from the river, led to the contamination of the water and surrounding wildlife, forcing local authorities to shut down the area to fishing and recreation for weeks.
“The impact was devastating,” Nessel said during the conference. “Aquatic life was poisoned, and animals along more than 20 miles of the river were affected, including waterfowl and young turtles. Local volunteers worked tirelessly to help clean up the mess and rescue wildlife.”
State and federal agencies rushed to the scene to contain the spill, but the situation quickly escalated. Cleanup crews traced the source of the contamination back to Lockhart Chemical, where they discovered multiple safety violations. The facility, investigators said, lacked proper safety management, and Minhas, the sole individual in charge, made misleading statements about the state of the company’s operations.
“Minhas tried to claim that the factory was up to code and leak-proof,” Nessel added. “But when investigators gained access to the facility, they found a much different reality. There were spills left untreated, and the facility had been poorly maintained. It was clear that this was not a mere accident but a case of neglect and deception.”
The investigation revealed that Lockhart Chemical had covered up the extent of its safety issues. Crews uncovered evidence of premeditated neglect, including cement poured into drains instead of proper repairs. The conditions, authorities say, were dangerous and could have led to even more severe environmental consequences.
In the aftermath of the spill, Lockhart Chemical filed for bankruptcy protection, a move that typically limits financial penalties. However, due to the severity of the situation and the company’s apparent efforts to conceal its wrongdoing, the Attorney General’s office decided to pursue criminal charges against Minhas.
Minhas was arrested at his home in Rochester, Michigan, on December 18, 2024. He faces 39 separate criminal charges, including violations of state environmental laws. If convicted, Minhas could face up to 14 years in prison and more than $1 million in fines.
“This case is a stark reminder of the importance of corporate responsibility,” Sheriff Swanson said. “When businesses neglect safety and try to cover up their wrongdoings, they not only jeopardize the environment but also put entire communities at risk.”
