Lee Chatfield, Wife Face Trial for Embezzlement

Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie, have been ordered to stand trial on multiple felony charges related to alleged embezzlement and misuse of state, campaign, and nonprofit funds. Prosecutors claim Chatfield used nonprofit money to pay personal credit card debts, submitted false mileage reimbursements, orchestrated a check kickback scheme, and sublet an apartment for profit. The investigation began after Chatfield's sister-in-law accused him of sexual assault, a claim that was not pursued criminally but led to the financial probe. Chatfield faces 13 felony counts, including embezzlement, conspiracy, and conducting a criminal enterprise, while his wife faces two felony charges. Both have pleaded not guilty, and a judge found enough evidence to proceed, rejecting defense claims of political motivation and denying requests to add more larceny charges. The trial will proceed in Ingham County Circuit Court and is being viewed as a significant case of public corruption in Michigan.