Former Michigan House Speaker and his wife have pleaded not guilty to financial charges related to the alleged misuse of unregulated political funds. Lee Chatfield and Stephanie Chatfield entered their pleas during a court appearance via video conference from Kentucky, where they were preparing to attend the Kentucky Derby.
Lee Chatfield, a Republican who served as House Speaker in 2019 and 2020, is accused of using political funds for personal expenses such as travel and housing while in office. These funds, established as tax-exempt social welfare organizations under federal law, were allegedly misappropriated for personal benefit.
