Former Wentworth Aide Charged With Embezzlement

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 05/14/2025) A former aide to ex-House Speaker Jason Wentworth was arraigned Wednesday on charges alleging he embezzled from the state to buy gold coins, gold bars, silver, platinum, vehicles and firearm accessories.

David Coker Jr., 51, of Clare, appeared via video before Ingham County District Judge Kristen D. Simmons for arraignment on charges alleging he defrauded the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and was running a criminal enterprise.

Simmons set a $100,000 personal recognizance bond and set a probable cause conference for May 23. A preliminary examination is set for May 30.

Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office did not return a message late Wednesday afternoon, but she is expected to hold a press conference at 11 a.m. Thursday to discuss the case.

Defense attorney Josh Blanchard said his client is a lifelong resident of Clare County, an elected official and has family support as his wife and daughters were present in court.

Blanchard said he and his client have been in contact with MDHHS’ Office of Inspector General, who began the investigation, and the Attorney General’s office “for years,” and he was surprised they executed an arrest warrant “without giving us a heads-up.”

The Attorney General’s office, who took over the investigation in late 2023, alleges Coker established Complete Health Park (CHP), a nonprofit organization, in 2022, to secure a $25 million no-bid grant written into the Fiscal Year 2022-23 state budget while Wentworth, a Farwell Republican, was the House’s top leader, according to the complaint read in court.

Coker is alleged to have used a separate consulting for-profit business called IW Consulting (IWC) to invoice CHP at least twice in December 2022 for a total of $820,000 without disclosing his role in IWC.

The complaint spans Dec. 19, 2022, to Jan. 9, 2023, and includes allegations of larceny and false pretenses.

Simmons said a 2023 Honda ORV, 2015 Buick Lacrosse, 2016 Ram 3500 and a 2024 Chevrolet Trax as well as silver bullets and platinum and gold bars are among the property subject to criminal forfeiture.

In a statement, House Speaker Hall said “shady deals like this were the norm in Lansing for far too long,” and his promise to end the corruption is ongoing.

“I made earmark transparency a key piece of the Hall Ethics Accountability and Transparency (HEAT) Plan because these backroom deals need to end,” he said. “My plan is already working, and now every single legislative earmark in future state budgets will be vetted and will have legislators willing to put their name to it and own up to their actions.”