Great Lakes Wire

Today, Lee Chatfield, the former Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, has been ordered to stand trial in Ingham County’s 30th Circuit Court. Chatfield, 35, from Levering, faces multiple felony charges for allegedly misusing state, campaign, and non-profit funds for personal gain. His wife, Stephanie Chatfield, also from Levering, is facing two felony charges.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the development: “Our investigation uncovered extensive evidence of elaborate schemes to embezzle and misappropriate private and public funds to bankroll Lee Chatfield’s lifestyle during his time as Speaker of the House,” she stated. “I am glad to see this case finally move forward to a trial in Circuit Court. My office will continue to pursue public corruption with every tool at our disposal and push for stronger transparency and good governance in our state.”

Lee Chatfield is accused of illegally converting funds from various sources including the Peninsula Fund, his political action committees – The Chatfield Majority Fund and The Chatfield Majority Fund 2 – as well as the Michigan House budget. Allegations include using non-profit funds for personal credit card payments, claiming improper mileage reimbursements for travel that did not occur, orchestrating a check kickback scheme involving PAC money through staff back to himself, and profiting from subletting an apartment paid by the Peninsula Fund.

In April 2024, Attorney General Nessel charged Lee Chatfield with several offenses:

- One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise.

- Four counts of Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization ($1,000-$20,000).

- Three counts of Embezzlement by a Public Officer Over $50.

- One count of Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization ($1,000-$20,000).

- Three counts of Embezzlement ($1,000-$20,000).

- One count of a Felony Violation of the Charitable Trust Act.

Stephanie Chatfield faces charges including:

- Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization ($1,000-$20,000).

- Conspiracy to Commit Embezzlement from a Non-Profit Organization ($1,000-$20,000).

A pretrial date has not yet been set.

It should be noted that all criminal charges are allegations at this stage. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No booking photos have been provided by the Department.