patheur

Records Hint at Plea ‘Discussions’ in Former Chatfield Employee Cases

Sakege November 13, 2024

lansing — Prosecutors and defense attorneys acknowledged discussions about possible plea deals in the criminal cases of Anne and Robert Minard, two top officials of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, according to an Oct. 24 court filing.

The development comes as Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel continues to level corruption allegations against Chatfield, a Levering Republican who held the top seat in the state House in 2019 and 2020.

Nessel revealed 13 criminal charges, including embezzlement, theft and conducting a criminal enterpriseagainst Chatfield on April 16. He denied any wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty. His case is pending in district court and his next court appearance is scheduled for February 21.

On December 21, 2023, Nessel announced 12 criminal charges against Anne Minard, who served as Chatfield’s director of external affairs, and nine counts against Robert Minard, who served as Chatfield’s chief of staff. The two Minards, who are married, allegedly stole more than $600,000 from fundraising accounts while holding positions of influence in state politics.

“Negotiations between the parties are ongoing,” Nessel’s prosecution team said, according to an Ingham County Circuit Court pretrial checklist of whether a plea offer had been made to Robert Minard. .

When asked if Robert Minard had made a plea offer, his defense team said, “Not at this time, but discussions have been ongoing,” according to the document.

Robert Minard’s attorney, Robert Harrison, said Tuesday there had been “feelings” about a possible guilty plea. But the circumstances are not special compared to other criminal cases, he said.

On September 12, Ingham County District Court Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt ruled there was probable cause believe the criminal allegations against the Minards and sent the cases to Ingham County Circuit Court for trial. The Minards’ trials are expected to last seven days if they are held, according to court documents.

While the Minards’ trials have not yet taken place, Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo on Oct. 24 signed pretrial documents that included checklists for the prosecution and defense.

As to whether Anne Minard had pleaded guilty, her defense team responded: “Negotiation pending,” according to the document. Like Robert Minard, the prosecution stated: “Negotiations between the parties are ongoing.”

Nessel’s office has accused the Minards of using fraudulent refunds, double billing, misrepresented expenses and falsified records. embezzle money from nonprofit organizations and independent and political action committees.

Kim Bush, a spokesman for Nessel, declined to comment Tuesday on court documents suggesting possible plea negotiations.

Anne Minard’s lawyer, Gerald Gleeson, did not immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment.

[email protected]