A courtroom setting symbolizing the trial of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and the ongoing quest for political accountability.
Lee Chatfield, former Michigan House Speaker, and his wife, Stephanie, are set to stand trial for multiple felony embezzlement charges stemming from a two-year investigation. The couple has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which allege that they misused funds from their political nonprofit for personal expenses. The charges could result in significant prison time, with Lee facing up to 20 years if convicted. The trial’s outcome may impact Michigan’s political landscape and discussions about accountability in leadership.
Lansing, Michigan – Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie Chatfield, are set to stand trial for multiple felony charges related to embezzlement. Ingham County Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt made this determination following a preliminary exam held on May 30, 2025. The Chatfields have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are scheduled for an arraignment hearing on June 11, 2025, in Ingham County 30th Circuit Court.
The charges against the couple arise from a two-year investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, which began in 2021. The investigation revealed allegations that the Chatfields diverted funds from their political nonprofit and campaign finances for their personal use. Among the reported misuse of funds were purchases made at various retail outlets, including high-end shops like Coach, expenses at a strip club, and transactions at souvenir stores in Universal Studios.
Lee Chatfield is facing a total of 13 felony counts, which include serious charges such as conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy, and embezzlement. If convicted of the most severe charge, he could face a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Stephanie Chatfield has been charged with two felony counts of embezzlement, with potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.
Details from the investigation indicate that an overwhelming 99.4% of Lee Chatfield’s personal credit card expenses were reimbursed by funds from the nonprofit organization over a year-long period. Such reimbursements involved not only extravagant items but also everyday expenditures like haircuts, dry cleaning, and car washes. Attorney General Dana Nessel highlighted the extensive evidence uncovered during the investigation, which points to elaborate schemes designed for personal gain.
The initial probe into Lee Chatfield was prompted by allegations of sexual assault raised by his sister-in-law, Rebekah Chatfield. However, the Attorney General’s office stated that no charges were filed in connection with these allegations due to insufficient evidence. The legal misstep concerning his alleged misconduct does not deter from the embezzlement charges currently facing him and his wife.
Despite the serious allegations, the Chatfields’ defense lawyers assert that the accusations are politically motivated and intend to bring forward other politicians as witnesses to support their case. In a January ruling, Judge Greenwalt dismissed additional larceny charges against Lee Chatfield, citing a lack of evidence to prove that he took funds without consent from colleagues.
Lee Chatfield’s career included serving as the House Speaker from 2019 to 2020, where he was known for his significant fundraising capabilities, amassing millions through various political action committees. However, the unfolding legal troubles could mar his political legacy and public perception.
As legal proceedings continue, the Attorney General’s office remains devoted to tackling public corruption while promoting transparency within Michigan’s political system. While the trial is still pending, the outcomes of these charges could potentially reshape the political landscape in the state.
A pretrial date for the couple has not yet been established, leaving the community and political analysts awaiting the upcoming court hearings with keen interest. The ramifications of this case may extend far beyond the Chatfields, possibly influencing future discussions on integrity and accountability within Michigan’s leadership.
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