Former Michigan House leader, wife plead not guilty to misusing political funds

The erstwhile person of the Michigan House and his woman person pleaded not blameworthy to fiscal charges arising from an probe of however they spent wealth from unregulated governmental funds

EAST LANSING, Mich. -- The erstwhile person of the Michigan House and his woman pleaded not blameworthy Thursday to fiscal charges arising from an probe of however they spent wealth from unregulated governmental funds.

Lee Chatfield and Stephanie Chatfield appeared successful a Lansing-area tribunal by video league from Kentucky, wherever they program to be the Kentucky Derby.

Chatfield, a Republican, was talker of the House from 2019 to 2020. He is accused of utilizing wealth for idiosyncratic travel, lodging and different benefits erstwhile helium was successful office. Investigators said helium tapped governmental funds that were created nether national instrumentality arsenic tax-exempt societal payment organizations.

Stephanie Chatfield monitored her husband’s recognition paper equilibrium and paid it disconnected with wealth from the Peninsula Fund, including $132,000 implicit a 14-month period, Attorney Dana Nessel said erstwhile charges were filed successful April.

Lee Chatfield faces 13 charges, including conducting a transgression endeavor and embezzlement. His woman is charged with embezzlement and conspiracy.

"He is looking guardant to his time successful tribunal and warring this,” defence lawyer Mary Chartier said during an arraignment successful East Lansing District Court.

Nessel, a Democrat, has said determination has been a proliferation of “dark money” governmental funds successful Michigan by Democrats and Republicans. She and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson person called for laws that would necessitate nationalist disclosure.