Former Aide Accused of Misusing $820K in State Grant for Health Park

Prosecutors allege David Coker used funds to pay off personal vehicle loans and buy precious metals

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:24pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of cash and coins, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigation into the alleged misuse of state grant funds.A state investigation into alleged misuse of grant funds for a health park project exposes concerns over transparency and accountability in government-backed community initiatives.Lansing Today

Prosecutors in Lansing allege that David Coker Jr., a former legislative aide, misused over $820,000 of a $9.9 million state grant intended for a health and wellness park in Clare, Michigan. Coker is accused of using the grant money to pay off personal vehicle loans and purchase precious metals and land, rather than using the funds for their intended purpose.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about potential misuse of state funds and conflicts of interest in government-backed development projects. It raises questions about oversight and accountability measures for how taxpayer money is spent on community initiatives.

The details

According to court testimony, in the week after the state wired nearly $10 million to the nonprofit tasked with building the Clare health park, Coker transferred over $71,000 of the grant money to pay off three vehicle loans and spent another $77,000 at a car dealership through a consulting firm he owned. Prosecutors also allege Coker spent $200,000 on land along M-10 in Farwell using the grant funds. In total, Coker is accused of controlling more than $820,000 of the $9.9 million state grant.

  • On January 9, 2023, the state sent $9.9 million to the Complete Health Park nonprofit.
  • In the following week, Coker allegedly used over $71,000 of the grant money to pay off personal vehicle loans.
  • In April 2023, Coker allegedly spent nearly $200,000 of the grant funds on land along M-10 in Farwell.

The players

David Coker Jr.

A Clare businessman who had served as an aide to then-House Speaker Jason Wentworth, and is accused of misusing over $820,000 of a $9.9 million state grant intended for a health and wellness park in Clare.

Kelli Megyesi

An Assistant Attorney General who is prosecuting the case against Coker.

Kristin D. Simmons

The Lansing 54-A District Court Judge who will decide next month whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial.

Darrell Harden

A state Department of Health and Human Services grant administrator assigned to shepherd the Complete Health Park grant.

Anthony Demasi

An individual who helped Coker draft a feasibility study for the project and has a past criminal conviction for defrauding investors.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on May 7 whether or not there is enough evidence to send the case against Coker to trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about potential misuse of state funds and conflicts of interest in government-backed development projects, raising questions about oversight and accountability measures for how taxpayer money is spent on community initiatives.