Michigan House Speaker and Wife to Face Trial on Felony Charges
A significant legal battle looms for former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie, as they are set to face trial on felony charges. This development follows a decision by an East Lansing district court judge on Friday, which saw the couple bound over for trial.
Lee Chatfield is accused of multiple felonies, including racketeering and various embezzlement charges. A conviction on the most serious charges could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Meanwhile, Stephanie Chatfield faces two charges related to embezzlement from a non-profit organization, each potentially carrying a 10-year prison term.
The accusations stem from alleged misappropriation of funds from political action committees tied to the couple, namely The Chatfield Majority Fund and The Chatfield Majority Fund 2, as well as the Peninsula Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization. Prosecutors claim the Chatfields used these funds for personal expenses, such as travel and credit card debt repayment.
Both Lee and Stephanie Chatfield have asserted their innocence and denied any misconduct. Stephanie Chatfield’s attorney, Matt Newburg, expressed skepticism about the evidence against his client, stating, “The evidence presented at this stage is minimal at best and the court, in its order characterized the evidence as it relates to Mrs. Chatfield as ‘thin.’” He also voiced concerns about the political nature of the case.
The charges, initially filed in April 2024, coincide with a related trial involving Anne and Rob Minard, former aides to Lee Chatfield. Details on their case can be found here.
The decision to proceed with the trial indicates the court found sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt noted in her order, “The record evidence provides probable cause on all elements of an aiding and abetting theory,” suggesting probable cause for the alleged embezzlement crimes.
Despite the decision to move forward with the trial, Lee Chatfield’s attorney, Mary Chartier, remains optimistic. She commented, “We fully anticipated that the case would be bound over. Not because we believe the Attorney General has a strong case―she doesn’t. But because the standard for bind over is so low.” Chartier emphasized the opportunity to defend Mr. Chatfield and scrutinize the Attorney General’s intentions in prosecuting a notable Republican fundraiser.
The arraignment is scheduled for June 11 in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County.
—
Read More Michigan News
