LANSING — Lee Chatfield became the second former Republican Speaker of the House to be charged with felonies as Attorney General Dana Nessel laid out a series of charges agains the former lawmaker from Levering. Nessel also announced charges against Stephanie Chatfield, the wife of Lee Chatfield.
“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,” said Nessel. “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 non-profit funds while Speaker of the House, including Conducting a Criminal Enterprise.”
Lee Chatfield has been charged with the following:
- One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Four counts of Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization, $1,000 to $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years’ incarceration and/or a $15,000 fine;
- Three counts of Embezzlement by a Public Officer Over $50, a felony punishable by 10 years’ incarceration and/or a $5,000 fine;
- One count of Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization, $1,000 to $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years’ incarceration and/or a $15,000 fine and an additional $10,000 fine;
- Three counts of Embezzlement, $1,000-$20,000, a felony punishable by 5 years’ incarceration and/or a $10,000 fine; and
- One count of a Felony Violation of the Charitable Trust Act, a felony punishable by 5 years’ incarceration and/or a $10,000 fine.
Stephanie Chatfield has been charged with one count each of the following:
- Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization, $1,000 to $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years’ incarceration and/or a $15,000 fine; and
- Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization, $1,000 to $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years’ incarceration and/or a $15,000 fine and an additional $10,000 fine.
“Public integrity matters and holding accountable corrupt elected officials who abuse their authority has been a top priority for this office during my administration,” Nessel continued. “This case highlights the many ways Michigan’s current campaign finance and disclosure laws make concealing enormous amounts of fundraising and spending far too easy. The Michigan Campaign Finance Act does not serve as an adequate deterrent, and the inherent weaknesses of our laws in this arena not only allow for pervasive, corrupt behavior, it encourages and fosters it. My department will continue to pursue public corruption and bad actors who violate the law with the tools we have available, and will persist in our efforts to encourage legislative change to increase transparency and good governance in the ways in which our state government operates.”
At her press conference, Nessel indicated that the investigation into Lee Chatfield’s alleged financial crimes continues and further criminal charges are possible for both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield, as well as additional defendants.
