LANSING, Mich. – The former Michigan House of Representatives leader, Lee Chatfield, and his wife were arraigned on embezzlement charges Thursday, May 2.
Lee and Stephanie Chatfield both pleaded not guilty.
Background: Ex-Michigan House Speaker charged in ‘flagrant’ misuse of nonprofit funds, embezzlement
The couple appeared in the courtroom virtually because the judge permitted them to be 350 miles away in Louisville, ahead of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby.
The former House Speaker was charged with 13 felonies after allegedly being involved in a “rampant and flagrant” misuse of political nonprofit funds. His wife has two charges.
The couple is accused of using money donated to nonprofits to allegedly fund a “lavish lifestyle.” Thursday was the first time the two could address the allegations in court.
Chatfield is accused of embezzling and stealing from the 501c4 Peninsula Fund, his own political action committees, the Chatfield Majority Fund and the Chatfield Majority Fund 2 and the state budget of the Michigan House of Representatives.
It’s alleged that more than $130,000 worth of debt on Chatfield’s personal credit card was paid directly off with the Peninsula Fund, a 501c4 social welfare fund. The credit card was reportedly used to pay for Chatfield and his family’s vacations, souvenirs, groceries, recurring bills, luxury purchases and more.
Chatfield was the Michigan House speaker in 2019 and 2020.
Thursday’s arraignment was done over Zoom after the judge approved the travel to Louisville. Their attorney said the trip was for work and recreation.
Former Circuit Judge Vonda Evans weighed in and said it’s not that big of a deal that the couple was allowed to travel.
“It’s not a crime until you’re convicted,” Evans said. “Bail is designed to assure that you’re going to come back. Nonviolent allegation, significant ties to the community. you own a house, a car, kids in school, etc -- listen, judges, do it all the time. It’s like anything else you know? It’s an allegation. It’s like gossip, OK? it’s not proven yet.”
Evans said it happens frequently and that any defendant can fill out a form to travel that the judge has to agree to.
The judge gave them both personal bonds and said she’s confident they will return.
