UPDATED: Ski Resort to Sue Fraternity Revelers Who Caused $430K of Damage

» Get Patch’s daily newsletter and real-time news alerts.

This story was updated at 2:30 p.m. with a statement from Sigma Delta Tau sorority:

The northern Michigan ski resort that sustained more than $430,000 damage in a wild weekend party plans to sue individual University of Michigan fraternity and sorority members managers believe are responsible for the vandalism.

In a statement released Tuesday, Treetops Resort said it believes the students intentionally trashed the resort after being confronted by the management over some billing issues and rowdiness during the first night of the Greek organizations’ stay, the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News are reporting.

» New on May 14, 2015: Mayhem Frat Blew Its Second Chance

The announcement by the resort is the latest blow to the disgraced Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, which lost its U-M charter over the vandalism, and its sister sorority, Sigma Delta Tau.

More than 120 members of the fraternity and sorority stayed at the Gaylord resort Jan. 17-18, leaving behind destroyed ceiling tiles and exit signs, broken furniture and doors, and urine-stained carpeting. Fifty rooms were rented, and 45 of them were damaged, according to reports.

Three students face criminal charges, but Treetops said an investigation by its legal advisers reveals the vandalism was deliberate and retaliatory, even though resort management received a verbal commitment by fraternity president that “significant, but non-malicious damage” the first night would not be repeated.

The opposite occurred, according to the statement:

“The students caused massive damage during the second night of the groups’ stay that was far in excess of what had been seen the previous day. According to various assessments, the damage caused on the second day was so extensive that it had to be the result of malicious and intentional conduct.”

None of the Sigma Delta Tau members was charged, but the sorority was placed on a two-year disciplinary suspension by U-M because members “stood by at Treetops Resort and allowed others to vandalize the facility.”

In a statement to Patch Wednesday, the national Sigma Delta Tau organization said its members not only weren’t involved in the vandalism, the resort’s management and security staff did nothing to stop the spree.

“We are not aware of any litigation involving the Chi Chapter of Sigma Delta Tau at the University of Michigan or its women. Through our investigation, we have found the women were not responsible for the damage incurred at Treetops Resort. We have also been made aware of multiple reports that management and security guards of The Treetops Resort and Spa did not step in to stop any of the actions while they occurred that weekend.“

Sigma Alpha Mu’s suspension, which will last for at least four years, is reportedly the most serious sanction imposed on a university student group.

Actual damages during the ruckus were $230,000, but the resort also sustained $200,000 in management time and reputation damage, according to The Detroit News.

Also on this topic:

• Frat Disbanded after $430K Carnage at Ski Resort
• Wild Weekend Frat Party Causes $430K of Damage at Ski Resort: Owner
• U-M Fraternity’s Parent Sues for Control of Bank Account

Treetops said another reason for the lawsuit was that only three students have been charged – chapter president Joshua Kaplan and fraternity members Zachary Levin and Matthew Vlasic.

“Contributing to the decision to pursue its own legal action is the fact that to date, only three students are being charged and Treetops is not aware of the University of Michigan or the Greek organizations taking any other action against any individuals,” the resort said in the statement.

“Apparently, authorities have been impeded by the refusal of the students to identify those specifically involved in the vandalism further suggesting that the damage was a group effort. Treetops was initially encouraged by the apology written by the Sigma Alpha Mu officer immediately after the incident assuming all responsibility for ‘getting out of hand’ and committing to pay for the damages, but only a token payment has been received thus far.”

The resort said it owes it to its owners, insurers, townspeople and the northern Michigan hospitality industry to hold the individuals responsible for the damages accountable for their actions. The vandalism caused a “significant” financial setback that triggered a reorganization that should be completed this spring, the resort said.