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CBS News
30-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, wife to stand trial in embezzlement case
Former Speaker of the Michigan House Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie Chatfield, will stand trial for financial crimes, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Friday. Lee Chatfield is accused of illegally converting personal funds from the 501(c)(4) Peninsula Fund, his electoral political action committees — The Chatfield Majority Fund and The Chatfield Majority Fund 2 — and the state budget of the Michigan House of Representatives. Nessel alleges that Lee Chatfield used nonprofit funds to pay off his personal credit card, sought improper mileage reimbursements from the state House for travel to Lansing that allegedly never happened, started a check kickback scheme to move money from his political action committees through staff and back to him, and sublet an apartment that was paid for by the Peninsula Fund for his profit. Nessel charged the Chatfields in April 2024 with 13 felony charges. "Our investigation uncovered extensive evidence of elaborate schemes to embezzle and misappropriate private and public funds to bankroll Lee Chatfield's lifestyle during his time as Speaker of the House," said Nessel in a statement. "I am glad to see this case finally move forward to a trial in Circuit Court. My office will continue to pursue public corruption with every tool at our disposal and push for stronger transparency and good governance in our state." Lee Chatfield is charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, four counts of embezzlement from a nonprofit organization, three counts of embezzlement by a public officer, one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization, three counts of embezzlement and one count of a felony violation of the Charitable Trust Act. Stephanie Chatfield is charged with one count each of embezzlement from a nonprofit organization and conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization. A former Republican state lawmaker representing northern Michigan, Lee Chatfield was House speaker in 2019 and 2020. He was previously investigated by Nessel's office after his sister-in-law, Rebekah Chatfield, accused him of sexually assaulting her. Lee Chatfield denied the allegations and said the two had a consensual affair. Nessel closed the investigation without filing charges. A pretrial date for the Chatfields has not yet been established.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Judge will take additional briefs before deciding on trial for ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield
EAST LANSING – A hearing to decide if former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield should stand trial over a series of alleged financial crimes related to his use of political funds wrapped up Friday after three days of testimony and argument, although it could be months still before a judge issues a ruling. Chatfield, a Republican from Levering who led the House in 2019 and 2020, was charged last year with 13 embezzlement, conspiracy and larceny charges in East Lansing 54B District Court. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office claims he knowingly used money from political funds to pay for vacations, dinners at upscale restaurants and other non-permitted items when he was a lawmaker. State prosecutors made their final pitch to District Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt about binding Chatfield — and his wife Stephanie Chatfield, who faces one count each of embezzlement and conspiracy — over for a jury trial. Both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield pleaded not guilty to all charges at an arraignment last year. But before deciding whether a trial should take place, Hennessey Greenwalt wants prosecutors and Lee Chatfield's lawyers to explain what the former Speaker's role was with the political funds he's accused of embezzling money from. She gave the Attorney General's office until March 31 to submit its brief and the defense until April 30 to respond. The judge's ruling on whether to continue the case and send the Chatfields to a trial will come after that. Nessel's office argues Lee Chatfield and Stephanie Chatfield spent thousands of dollars on a credit card on things like vacations, clothes and meals at upscale restaurants, and then knowingly used the Peninsula Fund's money to pay off their credit card balance. On Thursday, a forensic accountant called by the government as a witness said her analysis of the Chatfields' bank and credit card statements found there were likely thousands of dollars spent on things that weren't permissible under the Peninsula Fund's stated goals. The Peninsula Fund, as a 501c(4) social welfare fund, is allowed to pay for certain permissible political activities. For politicians, a 501c(4) fund can be advantageous because the organizations are subject to fewer public disclosure requirements and contribution limits than traditional candidate committees, allowing for greater fundraising and less scrutiny. Lee Chatfield, through his attorneys, argued Friday that no wrongdoing took place – and if the credit card spending reimbursed by the Peninsula Fund was improper, a law firm contracted by the Peninsula Fund to ensure compliance would have, and perhaps should have, raised alarm. Construction project to close parts of eastbound I-696 until 2027: What to know Court: 9 stalled bills should have been sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for signature Earlier in the hearing on Wednesday, Renae Moore, a senior compliance specialist with the Dykema law firm who was the assistant treasurer/secretary of the Peninsula Fund, testified that some spending reimbursements paid to Chatfield were questionable, including a receipt from a strip club which was eventually filed under meeting expenses. Lee Chatfield's attorneys have argued it was the responsibility of Moore and the Peninsula Fund's former president to ensure compliance, not the former Speaker's. Anne Minard, a former aide of Lee Chatfield during his time in the Capitol, was the Peninsula Fund's president. Minard faces felony financial charges of embezzling political funds. Her husband, Rob Minard, also faces charges in the case. Mary Chartier, Lee Chatfield's lead defense attorney, told reporters following the hearing she's encouraged the judge asked the parties to submit more briefs. At preliminary exams, the standard of evidence the prosecution has to prove is lower than it is at a jury trial. Instead of needing to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, at a preliminary exam, the prosecution only needs to prove probable cause that a crime took place to bind a defendant over for trial. 'The fact that the judge is taking the time to go through the evidence, the fact that she is asking for additional briefing on one of the elements, is quite a really important point, and one that we view extremely favorably,' Chartier said outside the courtroom. The most serious charge Lee Chatfield faces carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, if convicted. Stephanie Chatfield's charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, if convicted. Along with seeking improper reimbursements from political nonprofits, the state also alleges Lee Chatfield falsified mileage reimbursement forms while he was a lawmaker, claiming reimbursements for trips he didn't take. Prosecutors also claim Lee Chatfield profited by subletting a Lansing apartment where rent was paid for by the Peninsula Fund. Lee Chatfield has denied the charges. As a lawmaker, Lee Chatfield was considered a prolific fundraiser. Chartier noted the Peninsula Fund, at one point, had raised 'millions and millions' of dollars. In Dec. 2021 Rebekah Chatfield, Lee Chatfield's sister-in-law, told Lansing police she had been sexually assaulted by Lee Chatfield from the time she was 15 years old and a student at the northern Michigan religious school where Lee Chatfield taught. She also reported misuse of campaign funds at the time, according to her court testimony Thursday. Lee Chatfield has denied any sexual assault. Chartier previously said a years-long consensual affair took place between Lee Chatfield and Rebekah Chatfield when both were adults. Michigan State Police began investigating Lee Chatfield, and were later joined by Nessel's office in the investigation. When Nessel announced the financial charges against Lee and Stephanie Chatfield in April, she said the investigation into the sexual assault allegations was closed without charges. An investigation into the Chatfields' finances remains open and ongoing, according to documents filed by prosecutors in court Feb. 19. This story has been updated. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Judge to rule whether ex-Speaker Chatfield, wife, should stand trial
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Judge will take additional briefs before deciding on trial for ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield
EAST LANSING – A hearing to decide if former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield should stand trial over a series of alleged financial crimes related to his use of political funds wrapped up Friday after three days of testimony and argument, although it could be months still before a judge issues a ruling. Chatfield, a Republican from Levering who led the House in 2019 and 2020, was charged last year with 13 embezzlement, conspiracy and larceny charges in East Lansing 54B District Court. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's office claims he knowingly used money from political funds to pay for vacations, dinners at upscale restaurants and other non-permitted items when he was a lawmaker. State prosecutors made their final pitch to District Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt about binding Chatfield — and his wife Stephanie Chatfield, who faces one count each of embezzlement and conspiracy — over for a jury trial. Both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield pleaded not guilty to all charges at an arraignment last year. But before deciding whether a trial should take place, Hennessey Greenwalt wants prosecutors and Lee Chatfield's lawyers to explain what the former Speaker's role was with the political funds he's accused of embezzling money from. She gave the Attorney General's office until March 31 to submit its brief and the defense until April 30 to respond. The judge's ruling on whether to continue the case and send the Chatfields to a trial will come after that. Nessel's office argues Lee Chatfield and Stephanie Chatfield spent thousands of dollars on a credit card on things like vacations, clothes and meals at upscale restaurants, and then knowingly used the Peninsula Fund's money to pay off their credit card balance. On Thursday, a forensic accountant called by the government as a witness said her analysis of the Chatfields' bank and credit card statements found there were likely thousands of dollars spent on things that weren't permissible under the Peninsula Fund's stated goals. The Peninsula Fund, as a 501c(4) social welfare fund, is allowed to pay for certain permissible political activities. For politicians, a 501c(4) fund can be advantageous because the organizations are subject to fewer public disclosure requirements and contribution limits than traditional candidate committees, allowing for greater fundraising and less scrutiny. Lee Chatfield, through his attorneys, argued Friday that no wrongdoing took place – and if the credit card spending reimbursed by the Peninsula Fund was improper, a law firm contracted by the Peninsula Fund to ensure compliance would have, and perhaps should have, raised alarm. Construction project to close parts of eastbound I-696 until 2027: What to know Court: 9 stalled bills should have been sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for signature Earlier in the hearing on Wednesday, Renae Moore, a senior compliance specialist with the Dykema law firm who was the assistant treasurer/secretary of the Peninsula Fund, testified that some spending reimbursements paid to Chatfield were questionable, including a receipt from a strip club which was eventually filed under meeting expenses. Lee Chatfield's attorneys have argued it was the responsibility of Moore and the Peninsula Fund's former president to ensure compliance, not the former Speaker's. Anne Minard, a former aide of Lee Chatfield during his time in the Capitol, was the Peninsula Fund's president. Minard faces felony financial charges of embezzling political funds. Her husband, Rob Minard, also faces charges in the case. Mary Chartier, Lee Chatfield's lead defense attorney, told reporters following the hearing she's encouraged the judge asked the parties to submit more briefs. At preliminary exams, the standard of evidence the prosecution has to prove is lower than it is at a jury trial. Instead of needing to prove beyond a reasonable doubt, at a preliminary exam, the prosecution only needs to prove probable cause that a crime took place to bind a defendant over for trial. 'The fact that the judge is taking the time to go through the evidence, the fact that she is asking for additional briefing on one of the elements, is quite a really important point, and one that we view extremely favorably,' Chartier said outside the courtroom. The most serious charge Lee Chatfield faces carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence, if convicted. Stephanie Chatfield's charges each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, if convicted. Along with seeking improper reimbursements from political nonprofits, the state also alleges Lee Chatfield falsified mileage reimbursement forms while he was a lawmaker, claiming reimbursements for trips he didn't take. Prosecutors also claim Lee Chatfield profited by subletting a Lansing apartment where rent was paid for by the Peninsula Fund. Lee Chatfield has denied the charges. As a lawmaker, Lee Chatfield was considered a prolific fundraiser. Chartier noted the Peninsula Fund, at one point, had raised 'millions and millions' of dollars. In Dec. 2021 Rebekah Chatfield, Lee Chatfield's sister-in-law, told Lansing police she had been sexually assaulted by Lee Chatfield from the time she was 15 years old and a student at the northern Michigan religious school where Lee Chatfield taught. She also reported misuse of campaign funds at the time, according to her court testimony Thursday. Lee Chatfield has denied any sexual assault. Chartier previously said a years-long consensual affair took place between Lee Chatfield and Rebekah Chatfield when both were adults. Michigan State Police began investigating Lee Chatfield, and were later joined by Nessel's office in the investigation. When Nessel announced the financial charges against Lee and Stephanie Chatfield in April, she said the investigation into the sexual assault allegations was closed without charges. An investigation into the Chatfields' finances remains open and ongoing, according to documents filed by prosecutors in court Feb. 19. This story has been updated. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Judge to rule whether ex-Speaker Chatfield, wife, should stand trial
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Former Michigan House speaker, wife return to court on embezzlement charges
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Former Michigan State House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife are in court this week for preliminary hearings related to alleged financial crimes. Former Michigan House leader and wife charged with misusing political funds The hearings, which are being held in East Lansing, will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to a trial. They stem from charges filed in by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Lee Chatfield faces 13 embezzlement-related charges, all of which are felonies. Stephanie Chatfield faces two felony charges. Investigators say that Lee Chatfield used funds from the Peninsula Fund and his electoral political action committees to pay off personal credit card expenses, implemented a check kickback scheme and filed mileage reimbursements from the House of Representatives for travel that never occurred. Sign up for breaking news alert emails 'Our investigation has uncovered evidence that Lee Chatfield used various different schemes to embezzle, steal and convert both private and public monies to fund a lavish lifestyle that his state salary could not possibly afford,' . In , investigators documented how Lee Chatfield allegedly used a system involving Anne and Robert Minard, two top aides, to send money back and forth to cover costs stemming from trips to Las Vegas, the Bahamas and Universal Studios in Orlando. Lee Chatfield faces 13 charges in all — including one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison. He also faces four counts of embezzlement from a nonprofit organization ($1,000 to $20,000), one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization ($1,000 to $20,000), three counts of embezzlement by a public officer over $50, three counts of embezzlement ($1,000 to $20,000) and one count of violating the Charitable Trust Act. Those charges carry sentences anywhere from five to 10 years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines. Hackers slam Michigan tribe for not negotiating after cyberattack forced casinos to close Stephanie Chatfield faces one count of embezzlement from a nonprofit organization ($1,000 to $20,000) and one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization ($1,000 to $20,000). Those charges come with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines. Both Chatfields to all charges last June. They both posted bond — $50,000 for Stephanie and $100,000 for Lee — but were required to turn over their passports and report any out-of-state travel to the court. The Minards also face multiple felony charges for their role in the alleged embezzlement scheme. They were in Ingham County last September. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ex-Speaker Lee Chatfield, wife in court as prelim exam begins on financial charges
EAST LANSING — Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield was back in court Wednesday, as a preliminary exam hearing to decide whether the former House Republican leader and his wife will stand trial over a series of financial charges began in East Lansing. Lee Chatfield faces 13 embezzlement, conspiracy and larceny charges in 54B District Court, accused by the Michigan Attorney General's Office and in court documents of improperly using public funds and private money raised through political nonprofits to pay for flights, meals at upscale restaurants and family vacations while he was in office. His wife, Stephanie Chatfield, also faces one count each of embezzlement and conspiracy. The most serious charge faced by Lee Chatfield, conducting a criminal enterprise, is a 20-year felony, if convicted. Both charges against Stephanie Chatfield each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, if convicted. Both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield pleaded not guilty, through their attorneys, at an arraignment last year. Michigan State Police started an investigation into Lee Chatfield in 2022 after his brother's wife, Rebekah Chatfield, told Lansing police in late 2021 the former speaker sexually assaulted her for years, starting when she was approximately 15 years old. She said it began when she was a student and Lee Chatfield was a teacher at a small private religious school run by his father in northern Michigan. The Michigan Attorney General's Office began assisting state police with the probe, which expanded to investigate allegations of campaign finance violations. Lee Chatfield's attorney, Mary Chartier, previously said that he had a consensual affair with his sister-in-law but did not commit any crimes. When Attorney General Dana Nessel announced charges against the Chatfields in April, she said the investigation into the sexual assault allegations was closed without charges. An investigation into Lee and Stephanie Chatfield's financial conduct remains open, Danny Wimmer, press secretary for Nessel's office, told the Detroit Free Press last week. In an emailed statement at the time the financial charges were made against the Chatfields, Chartier called the charges politically motivated, and said: 'We are prepared to fight them each and every step of the way.' 'While we don't represent Mrs. Chatfield, it appears that she is being used as a pawn in a political prosecution, and we're confident that her attorney will effectively fight these charges in court on her behalf,' Chartier said at the time. District Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt is presiding over the preliminary examination. Preliminary examinations are hearings held in criminal proceedings to determine whether there is enough evidence to send a case to a jury trial. The hearing is expected to last through Friday. Lee Chatfield, now 36, was Speaker of the Michigan House in 2019 and 2020. He was considered a strong fundraiser during his time in Michigan politics — including raising millions of dollars through certain nonprofits, sometimes called social welfare funds. The Attorney General's Office alleges in court filings Lee Chatfield used the Peninsula Fund, a political nonprofit, to cover personal expenses, including a $132,000 credit card balance. In an affidavit filed in the case, an investigator with Nessel's office wrote the credit card was used to pay for charges "clearly personal in nature," including purchases at gift shops at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, and other expenses made during a family vacation in November 2020. Nessel, in April, said Lee Chatfield also used a "check kickback" scheme, in which he wrote checks from funds to an associate or relative and then took back cash to spend on personal expenses. The affidavit asserts the money was then used for personal expenses, such as a trip to the Bahamas in 2018. The Attorney General's Office also alleges in court filings Lee Chatfield wrongly sought mileage and travel reimbursements afforded to him as a member of the House for trips he didn't take and personally profited from subletting an apartment paid for by the Peninsula Fund. Stephanie Chatfield is accused of improperly assisting in the embezzlement of Peninsula Fund money for personal use, according to a document filed in court by Nessel's office. This story is developing and will be updated. Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Preliminary exam for former Mich. House Speaker Lee Chatfield underway
