Michigan's Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed 13 criminal charges against former House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie, accusing them of misusing nonprofit funds for personal expenses, including paying off a credit card, luxury purchases, and a trip to the Bahamas. The charges include embezzlement, larceny, and conducting a criminal enterprise, with potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The investigation into Chatfield's use of political funds is ongoing, and additional charges have not been ruled out.
Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife have been charged with embezzlement, conspiracy, and larceny, with the most serious charge carrying a 20-year felony. The charges allege that Chatfield misused public and political funds for personal expenses, including a family vacation to Universal Studios and a trip to the Bahamas. The investigation also looked into allegations of sexual assault, which has been closed without charges. Chatfield's attorney called the charges politically motivated, while the Attorney General emphasized the need for tougher campaign finance and nonprofit laws.
Former staffers for Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, Rob and Anne Minard, have been charged with embezzlement and conducting a criminal enterprise. The charges allege that the couple misappropriated funds from multiple entities, including social welfare non-profit organizations and campaign committees. Prosecutors claim that the Minards financially exploited and defrauded these entities through improper reimbursements, double billing, misrepresenting expenses, and falsifying records. The investigation into Chatfield, who left office in 2020, remains ongoing, and additional individuals are under investigation. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the state's weak campaign finance and political disclosure laws, calling for legislative changes to prevent future misconduct.
Associates of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, Anné and Rob Minard, have been charged with multiple felony counts related to the misappropriation of funds tied to Chatfield. The charges were announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who highlighted the concrete evidence of their alleged abuses. The case against Chatfield himself remains open.
