Rob Minard, the former chief of staff to ex-House Speaker Lee Chatfield, has pleaded guilty to two felony charges in a deal with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The charges are larceny by false pretenses involving $20,000 to $50,000 and filing a false tax return, related to funds taken from Working Together for a Better Michigan, a political action committee. As part of the plea deal, Minard will testify about the financial activities linked to Chatfield and pay restitution to the committee and the Michigan Department of Treasury. His sentencing is set for December 17, according to the Department of Attorney General.
Anne Minard, the wife of former chief of staff Rob Minard, pleaded guilty to embezzlement and filing a false tax return related to the Peninsula Fund. Her sentencing is scheduled for December 3. Both Anne and Rob Minard previously worked closely with former House Speaker Lee Chatfield. Michigan’s Attorney General said, “Our investigation uncovered extensive evidence of elaborate schemes to embezzle and misappropriate private and public funds to bankroll Lee Chatfield’s lifestyle during his time as Speaker of the House,” as reported by MLive. Chatfield still faces several charges, including embezzlement and conducting a criminal enterprise, while his wife, Stephanie, is also charged in connection with nonprofit funds.
Rob Minard is scheduled to appear before Judge James Jamo for sentencing, as mentioned by the Department of Attorney General. His case is part of a broader investigation into alleged corruption involving former House Speaker Lee Chatfield and related financial activities.
