Former House Speaker aide to stand trial on $25M embezzlement charges
A former aide to ex-House Speaker Jason Wentworth will face trial for allegedly embezzling $25 million in state funds meant for a Clare County health complex.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — David Coker Jr., a former aide to ex-House Speaker Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell), will stand trial in circuit court on embezzlement and criminal enterprise charges related to his alleged misuse of a $25 million state grant, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office announced Wednesday.
Nessel charged Coker in May 2025 with misusing funds appropriated to his nonprofit, Complete Health Park, which was intended to create a health and recreation complex. The money was secured through an earmark by Wentworth and included in the state’s 2023 budget.
Alleged Scheme Details
According to Nessel’s office, Coker submitted a December 2022 disbursement request to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for over $9 million, with more than $820,000 categorized as “other expenses.” On the same day those funds were released, prosecutors allege Coker transferred the identical amount to IW Consulting, another firm he owned and operated.
From there, Nessel’s office said Coker began emptying the business account into his personal accounts. Investigators allege he used the state funds to pay off personal debts and make large purchases, including four vehicles, more than 70 silver, gold and platinum bars, at least 50 rare coins and “a few literal silver bullets.”
Attorney General’s Statement
“I am relieved that this matter is heading to trial, where we intend to prove that Mr. Coker funneled grant money into an obscure LLC for his own personal gain – funds that were supposed to be dedicated to Clare County’s public health,” Nessel said in a statement.
The case represents one of the largest alleged embezzlement schemes involving state appropriations in recent Michigan history. The original $25 million grant was designed to benefit Clare County residents through improved health and recreational facilities.
Background on the Grant
The funding for Complete Health Park was secured through Wentworth’s influence as House Speaker during the 2023 budget process. Wentworth, who represented the Farwell area, included the earmark as part of broader health and human services appropriations.
Coker had positioned his nonprofit as a vehicle to address public health needs in Clare County, a rural area in central Michigan that has faced challenges accessing comprehensive healthcare and recreational facilities. The proposed complex was intended to provide a range of services to underserved communities in the region.
The charges against Coker include embezzlement of public funds and operating a criminal enterprise. If convicted, he could face significant prison time and restitution requirements. The trial date has not yet been announced, but proceedings are expected to move forward in the coming months.
Wentworth has not been charged in connection with the case. His office secured the original appropriation through standard legislative processes, according to previous reporting on the matter.
