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Yale Today
By the People, for the People
Michigan State Senator's Wife Charged with Stealing $35K from Local Chamber of Commerce
Kellie Lauwers accused of embezzling funds while serving as treasurer of the Yale Chamber of Commerce
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Kellie Lauwers, the wife of Michigan state Sen. Dan Lauwers, has been charged with one count of embezzlement and one count of using a computer to commit a crime after allegedly stealing more than $35,000 from the Yale Chamber of Commerce while serving as the organization's treasurer from 2019 to 2025.
Why it matters
Chambers of commerce play a vital role in supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies, and the public places a high level of trust in those responsible for managing the finances of these organizations. Allegations of embezzlement undermine that trust and can have significant impacts on the ability of chambers to effectively serve their communities.
The details
According to the Michigan Attorney General's office, Kellie Lauwers, 64, of Yale, Michigan, is accused of stealing $35,200 from the Yale Chamber of Commerce while serving as the organization's treasurer over a six-year period from 2019 to 2025. She has been charged with one count of embezzlement by an agent or servant, $20,000 or more but less than $50,000 (a 10-year felony) and one count of using a computer to commit a crime (also a 10-year felony).
- Kellie Lauwers served as the treasurer of the Yale Chamber of Commerce from 2019 to February 2025.
- The alleged embezzlement occurred during this six-year period from 2019 to 2025.
The players
Kellie Lauwers
The 64-year-old wife of Michigan state Sen. Dan Lauwers, who is accused of stealing more than $35,000 from the Yale Chamber of Commerce while serving as the organization's treasurer.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel
The state's top law enforcement official, who stated that her office remains committed to holding accountable those who embezzle funds meant to support local chambers of commerce and the small businesses they serve.
Yale Chamber of Commerce
A local business organization in the small, mostly rural community of Yale, Michigan, which has been impacted by the alleged embezzlement of funds by its former treasurer, Kellie Lauwers.
What they’re saying
“Chambers of commerce play an important role in supporting small businesses and strengthening local economies, and individuals trusted with managing their finances are expected to do so with integrity.”
— Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (Patch.com)
What’s next
Kellie Lauwers will be formally arraigned in the 72nd District Court in Port Huron, though a date has not yet been set.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of strong financial oversight and accountability within local chambers of commerce, which are vital to supporting small businesses and economic development in their communities. The alleged actions of Kellie Lauwers, if proven true, represent a significant breach of trust that could have far-reaching consequences for the Yale Chamber of Commerce and the businesses it serves.
