Charges dropped for 8 people in the Flint water scandal Charges dropped for 8 people in the Flint's lead-tainted drinking water scandal

DETROIT -- Fifteen people were charged in an investigation of how Flint's water became contaminated with lead in 2014-15 and a related outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. 

Seven people pleaded no contest earlier to misdemeanors in deals that will leave them without a criminal record.  Charges were dropped against the other eight Thursday when prosecutors announced they were restarting the investigation. 

The eight and the charges they faced:

— Nick Lyon, former director of the state health department.  Involuntary manslaughter, misconduct in office. 

— Dr. Eden Wells, former Michigan chief medical executive.  Involuntary manslaughter, obstructing justice, lying, misconduct in office. 

— Nancy Peeler and Robert Scott of the state health department.  Misconduct in office, conspiracy. 

— Patrick Cook of the Department of Environmental Quality.  Misconduct in office, conspiracy. 

— Gerald Ambrose, former Flint emergency manager.  Conspiracy, misconduct in office, false pretenses. 

— Darnell Earley, former Flint emergency manager.  Involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy, misconduct in office. 

— Howard Croft, former director of Flint public works.  Involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy.