LANSING, Mich. – The former leader of the Michigan House of Representatives, Lee Chatfield, has been bound over to stand trial for multiple felonies following allegations of “rampant and flagrant” misuse of political nonprofit funds.
In April 2024, 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.
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The former Speaker of the House pleaded not guilty.
It is alleged that more than $130,000 worth of debt on Chatfield’s personal credit card was paid off directly using the Peninsula Fund, a 501(c)(4) social welfare fund. The credit card was reportedly used to cover expenses for Chatfield and his family, including vacations, souvenirs, groceries, recurring bills, and luxury purchases.
Lee’s wife, Stephanie Chatfield, was bound over to stand trial on two felony charges, embezzlement from a nonprofit organization -- $1,000 to $20,000 and conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit organization -- $1,000 to $20,000.
The investigation into Lee Chatfield began in 2022 when 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.
Michigan Attorney General Dana 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 501(c)(4) 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.
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.
A trial date has not yet been scheduled.