Judge: ‘Corruption like this erodes the public’s confidence in our politics’
By Liz Nass
Gongwer News Service
Anné and Rob Minard, former aides to ex-House Speaker Lee Chatfield, were both sentenced to probation and avoided jail time after pleading guilty to felony charges in November.
Both Anné Minard and Rob Minard were sentenced to 36-months probation after taking a plea deal in November to “provide truthful testimony in future hearings” against their ex-boss.
Through a deal set with the Department of Attorney General, the Minards were sentenced with no jail time up front and a period of probation with routine terms. If they do not follow the probation, they could face six months in jail.
Anné Minard was also set to provide a substance abuse assessment based on findings in the presentence report.
Ingham Circuit Court Judge James Jamo said during Anné Minard’s sentencing that the deal was a “generous resolution” due to the scope of the crimes but recognized it’s “for good reason" due to her cooperation. However, he said “corruption like this erodes the public’s confidence in our politics.”
Anné Minard told Jamo she accepted responsibility for her actions and has sincere remorse, and Gerald Gleeson, Anné Minard’s counsel, told Jamo that her remorse was genuine, and she wanted to “right some wrongs” through the deal with the Department of Attorney General.
Kahla Crino, assistant attorney general on the case, said although Anné Minard’s crimes were serious, it takes tremendous strength to admit that responsibility, which has become rare in public figures.
Anné Minard pleaded guilty to embezzlement of at least $1,000 but less than $20,000 from a charity organization.
Jamo said if Anné or Robert Minard do not comply with terms of probation, they could be exposed to the full scope of penalties for the felonies, and the court would keep discretion, even with the six-month jail time abeyance.
He said it was unusual for him to agree to an abeyance deal. If they were to violate probation, it could be up to the discretion of the court to sentence 15 years imprisonment.
Jamo said one letter of support from a public figure that would be “recognizable to the media” stood out to him in the vouching for Anné Minard’s character.
Gleeson did not provide comment after the sentencing per request of Anné Minard.
Rob Minard's attorney, Robert Harrison, said the defendant has never been in trouble before, and no other criminal court will see him again. He said this already has been a terrible punishment to him, financially and professionally.
He also told Jamo that it has taken a toll on his personal life, finding many friends were no longer friends.
Harrison said to reporters that Chatfield was never a friend, “maybe of anybody.”
He said Rob Minard has been trying to work in politics again, but it has been “very difficult.”
Rob Minard did not speak at his sentencing and did not make comments to reporters.
Harrison told reporters after he was grateful Jamo accepted the plea and Robert Minard would satisfy all requirements, without a doubt.
Crino said the money they stole did not grow on trees but was donated by people who believe in the mission behind the nonprofit. When she chose to steal from these organizations, “it was harmful to the democratic process.”
“This is not a victimless crime,” Crino said. “It's also not your regular financial crime. It is something with far reaching consequences.”
Jamo agreed, saying it’s more like a multi-victim crime with far reaching impact. He said “corruption may not be too strong of a word to use.”
Before taking the plea deal, both were slated to begin trial in November. Anné was charged with 12 felonies, including operating and conducting a criminal enterprise, conspiracy, false pretenses and the false tax return and Rob was charged with nine felonies.
Anné and Rob Minard were first charged in December 2023 with conducting a criminal enterprise when working with Chatfield, with whom they had a long history. Robert assisted Chatfield during his first political campaign, and then he and his wife worked with him from 2015 to 2017.
The couple maintained funds for Chatfield through their firm, Victor Strategies, including his campaign committee, his PAC and his nonprofit.
The two were allegedly misappropriating funds in nonprofit organizations and political action committees with Chatfield, and his wife Stephanie Chatfield, who will both begin trial in September 2026.
Harrison said they have had meetings about the case but would not say if Rob Minard was looking forward to testifying against his boss, because “pleasure, anger, pain, whatever, as a part of testimony is really meaningless in terms of what happens and what justice demands.” He said he’s agreed to do it and will if they ask him to.
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