A former leader of the Michigan House of Representatives’s wife has pleaded guilty to a felony charge following allegations of “rampant and flagrant” misuse of political nonprofit funds.
Stephanie Chatfield, the wife of Lee Chatfield, was charged in April 2024 with one count of embezzlement from a non-profit organization and one count of conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a non-profit.
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Allegations against Lee Chatfield
Lee was charged in April 2024 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.
It is alleged that more than $130,000 worth of debt on Lee’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 Lee and his family, including vacations, souvenirs, groceries, recurring bills, and luxury purchases.
The investigation into Lee began in 2022 when his sister-in-law accused him of sexual assault. He 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 Lee when he ran the House, were charged last year after reportedly embezzling $525,000 from nonprofit funds. The two were sentenced in December 2025 and will be testifying against the former speaker.
Lee 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 Lee subletted and pocked the money.
Guilty plea
On June 16, Stephanie pleaded guilty to one felony count of embezzlement from a non-profit.
As part of a plea deal, her other charge was dismissed, and she will serve a term of probation.
Stephanie is expected to be sentenced on July 20.