LANSING, Mich. – The former Michigan House of Representatives leader, Lee Chatfield, has been charged with 13 felonies after allegedly being involved in a “rampant and flagrant” misuse of political nonprofit funds.
Chatfield was House speaker in 2019 and 2020 when the GOP controlled the chamber.
The charges include conducting a criminal enterprise, embezzlement from a nonprofit, conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit and more.
Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the charges at a press conference Tuesday, April 16. Nessel said Chatfield and his wife were involved in “schemes to embezzle, steal, and convert both private and public monies to fund a lavish lifestyle.”
The investigation into Chatfield has been going on for a few years since his sister-in-law accused him of sexual assault. Chatfield denied the allegations and said the relationship was consensual. A criminal complaint was filed with the Lansing Police Department and the investigation was turned over to Michigan State Police. Nessel said by the time the case arrived at her office, the investigation had expanded beyond the abuse allegations and into financial crimes.
Rob and Anne Minard, who were top aides to Chatfield when he ran the House, were charged last year after reportedly embezzling $525,000 from nonprofit funds. The two pleaded not guilty in January. Chatfield is accused of embezzling and stealing from the 501c4 Peninsula Fund, his own political action committees, the Chatfield Majority Fund and the Chatfield Majority Fund 2 and the state budget of the Michigan House of Representatives.
It’s alleged that more than $130,000 worth of debt on Chatfield’s personal credit card was paid directly off with the Peninsula Fund, a 501c4 social welfare fund. The credit card was reportedly used to pay for Chatfield and his family’s vacations, souvenirs, groceries, reoccurring bills, luxury purchases and more.
Stephanie Chatfield, his wife, has also been charged in connection with the corruption allegations.
Nessel said there wasn’t sufficient evidence to bring charges for the alleged sexual assault.
The former Speaker is also accused of being reimbursed by the House of Representatives for district-to-Lansing travel that never occurred. He also reportedly rented an apartment from a lobbying firm that was paid by the Peninsula Fund that Chatfield subletted and pocked the money.
Lee Chatfield was charged with one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, four counts of embezzlement from a nonprofit organization -- $1,000 to $20,000, three counts of embezzlement by a public officer over $50, one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization -- $1,000 to $20,000, three counts of embezzlement -- $1,000-$20,000, and one count of a felony violation of the Charitable Trust Act.
All 13 charges are felonies.
Stephanie Chatfield was charged with embezzlement from a nonprofit organization -- $1,000 to $20,000 and conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization -- $1,000 to $20,000.
Nessel said the investigation is ongoing and further charges are expected.
“While the entirety of our investigation is not yet completed, my department is moving forward with 13 charges against Lee Chatfield alleging rampant and flagrant misuse and misappropriation of political nonprofit funds while Speaker of the House,” Nessel said.
The attorney for Rebekah Chatfield released the following statement regarding the lack of charges in connection with the alleged sexual assault.
“While it is positive to learn that Chatfield will face charges for his political misdeeds, I am deeply shocked and appalled by the Attorney General’s decision today, which fails to hold the former Speaker of the House accountable for the most grotesque and obscene of his crimes: the sexual assault of my client Rebekah Chatfield, when she was still a child.
I spoke to Rebekah this morning, and she was shattered to learn that her abuser has continued to escape justice for his sexual crimes. For her, today’s news was a crushing blow. To say she was deeply disappointed to learn that the man who sexually abused her as a child will not be held accountable for that act is a serious understatement.
It is crucial that we continue to investigate this matter, as there may be more Chatfield victims whose stories have yet to be heard. The Attorney General’s office has failed in its duty to prosecute the worst of his crimes, and the investigation was flawed from the outset. Nevertheless, we will continue our work to ensure that Rebekah gets her day in court, and that Lee Chatfield will be brought to justice for sexual assault.
This is not only a crushing day for Rebekah Chatfield, but also for the movement to protecting children from sexual abuse. But Rebekah is a woman of faith and firmly believes everything happens for a reason.
We urge the Michigan legislature to review and amend existing laws to better protect children from abuse, and we implore the governor, all individuals across the country to take a strong look at what children mean to us, and to what extent we will hold people who take advantage of children accountable.”
Jamie White, Attorney