Staff Reports
Lee and Stephanie Chatfield, former Michigan House leader and his wife, are facing trouble with the law for allegedly taking campaign money for their personal use. The state attorney general accused them of using political funds and a federal social welfare organization, called the Peninsula Fund, like a secret slush fund.
The Attorney General criticized the state’s campaign finance laws as toothless and ineffective in preventing such crimes. This misuse of funds is a problem that goes beyond one party, she argued. Michigan’s Secretary of State also expressed concern over the weak laws that allowed these issues to go undetected until now.
Today @MIAttyGen @dananessel announced serious felony charges against former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie.
I’m grateful to the AG and her team for their meticulous investigation into the allegations against the former Speaker. It is alarming to…
— Jocelyn Benson (@JocelynBenson) April 16, 2024
The charges against the Chatfields stem from an investigation into sexual assault allegations, illustrating a pattern of misconduct. Despite the delay in bringing charges, the attorney for Lee Chatfield questioned the strength of the case after such a long period of investigation.
This case highlights the importance of strong laws and oversight in preventing politicians from abusing their positions for personal gain. It is crucial to hold public officials accountable for their actions to maintain trust and integrity in government.
