Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has announced 13 felony charges against former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives Lee Chatfield for alleged financial crimes. Nessel stated, "Our investigation has uncovered evidence that Lee Chatfield used various different schemes to embezzle, steal, and convert both private and public monies." The charges include Conducting a Criminal Enterprise and multiple counts of embezzlement and conspiracy to commit embezzlement.

According to Nessel, Chatfield is accused of misusing political non-profit funds, state budget funds, and personal credit card expenses to fund a lavish lifestyle. Nessel emphasized the importance of holding corrupt officials accountable, stating, "Public integrity matters and holding accountable corrupt elected officials who abuse their authority has been a top priority for this office during my administration."

The charges against Lee Chatfield include a range of felonies, from Conducting a Criminal Enterprise to Embezzlement and Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement. Stephanie Chatfield, Lee's wife, has also been charged with embezzlement and conspiracy to commit embezzlement from a non-profit organization.

The investigation into Lee Chatfield's alleged financial crimes stemmed from allegations of sexual assault made by Rebekah Chatfield against her brother-in-law. The investigation has not resulted in charges related to the alleged sexual assaults, but it has led to the current financial charges against Lee and Stephanie Chatfield.

The Attorney General's office has made available the video of Nessel announcing the charges at a Lansing press conference, as well as the felony summons and sworn affidavits detailing the charges filed against both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield on their website. It is important to note that for all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.