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Snyder replaces agency chief after problems at veterans home

woodtv.com

Gov. Rick Snyder has replaced the director of Michigan's veterans affairs agency after an audit uncovered problems at a state-run nursing home for veterans.

Jeff Barnes, who led the agency for three years, resigned Friday.

An audit publicly released Friday said workers at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans falsely claimed they were checking on patients, failed to properly investigate allegations of abuse and neglect, and took too long to fill prescriptions.

Snyder says the audit findings are "deeply troubling."

James Redford, Snyder's chief legal counsel and a former judge, will lead the agency for now.

He served in the Navy as part of the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Barnes, a former Army officer, previously was the governor's deputy chief of staff and his former campaign manager.

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