LANSING (WWJ) — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has charged former House Speaker Lee Chatfield with 13 felony counts, including conducting a criminal enterprise and embezzlement.
The charges are in connection with political nonprofit money he allegedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle that included trips to exotic locations — including the Bahamas and Universal Studios in Orlando — as well as luxury shopping and other personal uses.
Nessel described Chatfield's alleged actions as "rampant and flagrant misuse and misappropriation of political nonprofit funds." Chatfield was first elected to office in 2014 at the age of 26.
Chatfield's wife, Stephanie, has also been charged with conspiracy and embezzlement in the case, which began in 2022 after his former sister-in-law publicly reported Chatfield sexually assaulted her over several years.
That's when Nessel's office launched the investigation, which was later broadened to include financial crimes, including embezzling and stealing money from various tax-exempt political action committees — otherwise known as PACs — and a 501(c)(4) affiliated with Chatfield's time as an elected official.
While the PAC money allegedly helped fund their travel and shopping, the Chatfields allegedly took money from the social welfare organization known as the Peninsula Fund to pay off more than $130,000 in charges to his personal credit card.
Nessel noted many of the credit card charges that were reimbursed by the Peninsula Fund money were "unquestionably personal and only personal."
The most serious charge levied against Chatfield, conducting a criminal enterprise, carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Two former staffers for Chatfield — Rick and Anne Minard — were charged last December, accused of conducting a criminal enterprise while working for him, including embezzling funds from nonprofits and campaign committees.
Nessel said Tuesday the sexual assault case has been closed without charges, as there was not enough evidence to meet proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
The financial crimes investigation, however, will continue, according to Nessel, who said more charges could still be forthcoming.
In total, Lee Chatfield was charged with:
•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
• 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 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
• 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.
