(The Center Square) – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced 13 felony charges against former House Speaker Lee Chatfield, 35, accusing him of stealing political funds for personal use.
The state accused Lee of illegally taking political money for personal use from the 501(c)(4) Peninsula Fund, his own electoral political action committees, The Chatfield Majority Fund, The Chatfield Majority Fund 2 and the state House budget.
Lee is accused of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony; embezzlement from a non-profit organization less than $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine; embezzlement by a public officer over $50, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $5,000 fine; conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a non-profit organization less than $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine and an additional $10,000 fine.
Nessel charged Chatfield’s wife, Stephanie Chatfield, with two felonies.
“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,” Nessel said in a statement. “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.”
The state alleges Lee used non-profit funds to pay off personal credit card expenses, sought improper mileage reimbursements for fictitious travel, implemented a check kickback scheme to move PAC money through staff and back to his pocket and sublet an apartment, paid for by the Peninsula Fund, for his profit.
“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.”
Stephanie Chatfield has been charged with embezzlement from a nonprofit organization less than $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine; and conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a nonprofit less than $20,000, a felony punishable by 10 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine and an additional $10,000 fine.
The investigation started after Rebekah Chatfield claimed her brother-in-law, Lee, had sexually assaulted her beginning when she was a teen and he was employed at her high school. Nessel said the investigation didn’t produce “sufficient evidence” for charges but did unveil widespread financial crimes.
The investigation continues and further criminal charges are possible for Lee and Stephanie Chatfield and additional defendants.
