U-M Fraternity's Parent Sues for Control of Bank Account

Barry Owens, manager of the Treetops resort in northern Michigan, said he hasn’t seen damage to the extent of that resulting from a wild weekend fraternity party in 30 years of hotel management. (Courtesy photo)

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The hangover continues for a now-disbanded University of Michigan fraternity that left behind an estimated $430,000 in vandalism damages after a wild weekend party at a ski resort in northern Michigan.

The disgraced U-M chapter of Sigma Alpha Mu is being sued by its parent organization is suing the local chapter for its alleged refusal to turn over its bank accounts and property, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The national organization said in a lawsuit filed in Washtenaw County Circuit Court that it doesn’t want the local chapter’s money to be used to pay for damages to 45 rooms at the Treetops Resort near Gaylord.

The court temporarily froze the local chapter’s bank accounts, except for that money earmarked to pay mortgage, utility costs and other expenses related to the chapter’s house in Ann Arbor.

A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled April 2.

Also on this topic:

• Frat Disbanded after $430K Carnage at Ski Resort
• Wild Weekend Frat Party Causes $430K of Damage at Ski Resort: Owner

The lawsuit follows criminal charges filed against three fraternity members allegedly involved in the Jan. 17-18 vandalism, which included destroying ceiling tiles and exits, breaking furniture and doors, and urinating on carpet.

Two 19-year-old sophomores, the president and treasurer of the fraternity, have been arrested on misdemeanor charges for allegedly allowing minors in their supervision to drink alcohol. A third student has been charged with a felony charge of malicious destruction of property over $1,000.

Their court date hasn’t been set.

Several members of Sigma Delta Tau, the fraternity’s sister sorority, also attended the ski weekend, but no members of that group have been charged.

More charges may be coming.

“Upon the receipt of additional identification information, it is anticipated that additional malicious destruction of building charges will be issued against several other members of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, and steps are being taken to obtain information on their specific actions,” Otsego County Prosecutor Michael Rola said in a news release.