LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – In a case that’s unfolded over several years, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Tuesday afternoon that she’s charging former Republican House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie, with 13 criminal charges.
In a press conference, Nessel accused the Chatfields of using nonprofit funds to pay off credit cards and fund “lavish” vacations.
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In December, Nessel charged Chatfield’s former Chief of Staff and his wife with multiple felonies. Robert and Anne Minard are accused of running a criminal enterprise and embezzlement. The couple operated a consulting firm and several political nonprofits which Nessel alleges the couple used as a way to fleece money from the organizations.
The investigation into the Chatfields and their alleged financial misdeeds stems from a criminal complaint brought by Lee Chatfield’s former sister-in-law Rebekah Chatfield. She accused him of sexually assaulting her, starting when she was a student at the small Christian academy where Lee worked as a worked as a teacher. That case has been closed without charges.
The most serious felony outlined on Tuesday against Lee Chatfield carries a 20 year prison sentence.
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