Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, wife face corruption charges
by Bridge Michigan
Bridge Michigan— The Republican faces allegations he used nonprofits to ‘line his own pockets,’ authorities say. A sexual assault allegation from Chatfield’s sister-in-law that prompted the probe will not result in charges.
MSNBC News—Charges against former state House speaker part of a striking pattern. In recent years, an amazing number of sitting and former state House speakers have run into serious legal troubles, and as The Detroit Free Press reported, the list grew a little longer yesterday. The Free Press’ report added that the most serious of the charges, conducting a criminal enterprise, is a felony that could put the former Republican state House speaker behind bars for decades. “Our investigation has uncovered evidence that Lee Chatfield used various different schemes to embezzle,...
Bridge Michigan—Lee Chatfield charges renew debate over ‘toothless’ Michigan ethics laws. Democrats say corruption case against former House speaker underscores need to beef up transparency laws. Republicans point out that stealing is illegal and reforms won’t prevent anything.
Detroit Free Press—Michigan House hears testimony on campaign finance, lobbying laws after Chatfield charges. Michigan lawmakers held a hearing Thursday on legislation to overhaul the state's campaign finance and lobbying laws after a high-profile...