Ex-House Speaker Lee Chatfield to stand trial for alleged misuse of funds

Lansing, Mi-Lee Chatfield, former chairman of the Staatshuis of representatives, was instructed to be justified for costs that claimed that he had abused the state, marketing campaign and non-profit funds.

Chatfield, 35, R-delivery, and his spouse, Stephanie Chatfield, had sure their affairs on Friday 30 Might to Ingham County Circuit Courtroom.

Associated: Former speaker of the Staatshuis needs to be embezzlement, different costs rejected

Legal professionals had rejected the costs towards the couple on the finish of a preliminary investigation on the finish of February earlier than East Lansing District Decide Molly Hennessy Greenwalt.

Testimony was geared toward receiving cash from the non-profit Peninsula Fund, his personal election committees for political motion and mileage allowances, in addition to journeys to the Bahamas and elsewhere.

Associated: The brother of ex-state home speaker didn’t know who journey to Bahamas, Las Vegas, financed

“Our investigation has delivered to gentle intensive proof of in depth laws to darken personal and public funds for the life-style of Bankroll Lee Chatfield throughout his time as chairman of the home,” mentioned Dana Nessel officer in an announcement.

Associated: Ex-home speaker funded lush way of life with non-profit ‘Darkish Cash’, say prosecutors

“I’m joyful to see that this case is lastly going to a course of within the circuit. My workplace will proceed to pursue public corruption with each instrument at our disposal and demand on stronger transparency and good governance in our state.”

The State says that Lee Chatfield used non-profit funds for private bank card prices, mileage looked for journey allowance for journey that didn’t happen and used a “Examine-smearing cash schedule to maneuver PAC cash by employees and again to his pocket, and subjected an residence, paid by the Peninsula Fund, for his personal revenue.”

He was accused of 4 counts of embezzlement by a non -profit, three counts of embezzlement by an official of greater than $ 50, three counts of darkening, performing a felony firm, conspiracy to be darkened of a non -profit and the charity establishment.

His spouse was accused of embezzlement of a non -profit and conspiracy to commit eclipse by way of a non -profit.