Former Michigan House Speaker’s Wife Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement

Michigan Political Scandal: Embezzlement Charges Lead to Guilty Plea and Legal Proceedings

Stephanie Chatfield, the wife of Michigan’s former House Speaker, has pled guilty to embezzling funds from a political nonprofit linked to her husband. This development adds another layer to the ongoing legal saga surrounding the Chatfields.

Stephanie admitted to misappropriating an amount between $200 and $1,000 from the Peninsula Fund, a nonprofit that her husband, Lee Chatfield, utilized to raise significant campaign funds without disclosing donors. As part of a plea agreement, she will serve probation instead of facing jail time.

The agreement also leads to the dismissal of two more severe embezzlement charges upon completion of her sentence. Her sentencing is scheduled for July 20, where a Lansing judge will determine her fate.

In a related case, the Michigan Attorney General’s office accused the Chatfields in 2024 of diverting funds from the Peninsula Fund for personal luxury. Consultants Rob and Anne Minard, also implicated in the misuse of these funds, have already entered a plea deal last year.

Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized the importance of nonprofit accountability, stating, “These are strictly regulated accounts and that regulation relies, in-part, on honest operations and truthful financial reporting. When public oversight fails to hold their operators accountable to their mission, and their donors, my office will act to maintain the public integrity, including, when necessary, by securing criminal convictions such as this one.”

Meanwhile, Lee Chatfield continues to face significant legal trouble, with 14 felony charges and one misdemeanor related to alleged criminal enterprise activities and embezzlement. He is expected in court again for a motion hearing on July 22.

Mary Chartier, Lee Chatfield’s lawyer, commented on Stephanie’s plea agreement, stating, “The plea agreement between Mrs. Chatfield and the Attorney General appears to be a thoughtful and reasonable one based on the facts and circumstances of the case.”