Embezzlement Trial to Begin for Lee Chatfield
Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield faces 13 felony charges in an embezzlement trial beginning September 22, 2026.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The criminal trial for former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield is set to begin on September 22, 2026, in Ingham County. Chatfield faces 13 felony charges, including counts of embezzlement and conducting a criminal enterprise.
Why it matters
Prosecutors allege Chatfield engaged in schemes to misappropriate funds from a political nonprofit to sustain a lifestyle beyond his state salary. The proceedings will address claims that the former speaker utilized kickbacks and fraudulent reimbursements.
Lee Chatfield faces 13 felony charges following a 2024 filing. Stephanie Chatfield previously pleaded guilty to related embezzlement charges, resulting in six months of probation, a $2,000 fine, and 25 hours of community service.
The players
Lee Chatfield
The former Michigan House Speaker served in the state legislature from 2018 to 2020 and is currently facing 13 felony charges.
Stephanie Chatfield
The spouse of Lee Chatfield pleaded guilty in June 2026 to embezzling funds from a political nonprofit.
Rob and Anné Minard
The couple pleaded guilty to charges involving the theft of funds from a political action committee.
The details
Forensic accounting records indicate that 99% of $150,000 in personal credit card charges were reimbursed by the Peninsula Fund between January 2020 and April 2021. The case stems from a financial misconduct investigation that initially began as a sexual assault inquiry.
Timeline
Lee Chatfield served as Michigan House Speaker from 2018 to 2020.
The alleged financial reimbursements via the Peninsula Fund occurred from January 2020 to April 2021.
Criminal charges were first filed against Lee and Stephanie Chatfield in April 2024.
Stephanie Chatfield pleaded guilty to embezzlement charges in June 2026.
The trial begins with jury selection on September 22, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the pattern set by the 2024 Michigan political financial misconduct investigations involving multiple political figures. It reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny regarding the use of political nonprofit funds in the state.
The trial will unfold in Ingham County, bringing high-profile legal proceedings to the local court system. Residents may see increased activity or security surrounding the courthouse during the multi-day trial.
The takeaway
This case underscores the legal risks associated with commingling personal and political nonprofit finances. Observers should watch the trial to see how forensic accounting evidence impacts the final court verdict.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing legal matters in the state, visit the Financial Crime section.
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Should politicians face stricter legal oversight for how they manage personal and nonprofit funds?
