LANSING, Mich. – Two former staffers for former state house speaker Lee Chatfield are pleading not guilty to embezzlement charges in Lansing.
Anne and Robert Minard were charged in the 54 B District Court in East Lansing on multiple felony charges, including conducting a criminal enterprise, announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
The Minards were charged for their alleged role in misappropriating funds from three non-profits and a political action committee tied to the former speaker of the House.
Anne and Robert were given a $50,000 personal recognizance bond. They will next appear in the 54B District Court for a probable cause conference on Jan. 19, and a preliminary examination has been scheduled for Jan. 25.
They have each been charged as follows:
- One count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- One count of conspiracy to conduct a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Three counts of false pretenses - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, five-year felonies;
- One count of false pretenses - $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, a 15-year felony;
- One count of embezzlement - $100,000.00 or more; a 20-year felony, and
- One count of filing a false tax return; a five-year felony.
Anne Minard has been charged individually with:
- Two counts of embezzlement - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 from a non-profit or charitable organization, a 10-year felony; and
- Two counts of false pretenses - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, each five-year felonies.
Rob Minard has been charged individually with:
- One additional count of false pretenses - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a five-year felony.
Anne Minard affidavit redacted by brandon carr on Scribd
Robert Minard affidavit redacted by brandon carr on Scribd
