Michigan GOP leader's 'extravagant partying' on yachts and jets on campaign dime exposed

Former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield was indicted by state prosecutors two years ago on allegations he stole campaign funds and used them for luxuries like a $32,000 Bahamas getaway — and now new details have emerged about the ordeal.

The Detroit News published new accounts of how Chatfield's former aides spilled the beans in court on the outrageous revelations.

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Former Chatfield Chief of Staff Rob Minard told Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's prosecutors "that Chatfield used a private jet to travel to a golf resort in South Carolina in November 2020, that he would 'pocket' campaign contributions that came in the form of cash and that he would orchestrate 'extravagant partying,'" said the report. His travels "featured trips with lobbyists, the use of a private jet, a yacht rental in Miami, gambling, poolside cabanas and bottle service."

An attorney who attended Minard's meeting with prosecutors last year said that "Minard told us that Lee Chatfield always had to stay in the most expensive hotels and eat at the most expensive restaurants."

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Minard and his wife Anne have both taken plea deals for filing false tax returns and obtaining money under false pretenses, as part of the investigation.

Not all the money went to these vacations, noted the report — some just went into Chatfield's bank account.

"Rob Minard told investigators that Lee Chatfield and his wife, Stephanie, would 'pocket' money from campaign donors that came to their house in the form of cash," noted reporter Craig Mauger.

Chatfield has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He faces 13 felonies.