The Plea Deal

Stephanie Chatfield, the wife of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one felony count of embezzlement. The plea was entered in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County. She admitted to embezzling between $200 and $1,000 from the Peninsula Fund, a nonprofit organization tied to her husband’s political career.

According to the plea agreement, Stephanie Chatfield will serve probation instead of jail time. Two additional embezzlement charges will be dropped after she completes her sentence. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 20.

The Allegations

The Michigan Attorney General’s Office accused the Chatfields of misusing nonprofit funds for personal expenses. Attorney General Dana Nessel stated that the couple used the money to pay off credit card debt and fund "lavish" vacations. These trips included destinations such as Universal Studios in Orlando, Las Vegas, and the Bahamas.

"These are strictly regulated accounts and that regulation relies, in-part, on honest operations and truthful financial reporting. When public oversight fails to hold their operators accountable to their mission, and their donors, my office will act to maintain the public integrity, including, when necessary, by securing criminal convictions such as this one," said Attorney General Dana Nessel in a press release.

The Peninsula Fund is now defunct. The Attorney General's Office noted that it is unlikely Stephanie Chatfield will be ordered to pay restitution.

Charges Against Lee Chatfield

Former Speaker Lee Chatfield faces 13 felony charges and one misdemeanor count. His trial is set to begin on September 21, 2026.

Lee Chatfield served as the 76th Michigan Speaker of the House from 2019 until 2021. He is accused of conducting a criminal enterprise and multiple counts of embezzlement from a nonprofit organization.

Mary Chartier, Lee Chatfield’s lawyer, commented on the plea deal.

"The plea agreement between Mrs. Chatfield and the Attorney General appears to be a thoughtful and reasonable one based on the facts and circumstances of the case," said Mary Chartier.

Other Defendants

Two consultants, Rob and Anne Minard, also faced charges for misusing Peninsula Fund money. They accepted their own plea agreement last year. This makes Stephanie Chatfield the third close ally of Lee Chatfield to publicly admit to a financial crime related to the scandal.

Lee Chatfield is next due in court on July 22 for a motion hearing.