4th Man Gets Probation In U-M Fraternity Ski Resort Vandalism
GAYLORD (WWJ/AP) - A former University of Michigan fraternity member has been placed on a year of probation for his role in a wild weekend of booze and ruin by a fraternity at a ski resort a little over year ago.
TV station WWTV reports Benjamin Savitch was sentenced last week for malicious destruction of property less than $200 and also must pay court fees. The Otsego County prosecutor's office says he admitted to hanging off a door frame and hoisting himself up to kick out ceiling tiles.
Doors, furniture, walls, fixtures, ceilings and carpet were badly damaged at Treetops Resort in northern Michigan when members of Sigma Alpha Mu spent the weekend in January 2015.
Three other fraternity members have also received a sentence including probation. Last month, Daniel Orleans was sentenced to two years probation after prosecutors say he admitted to throwing a desk off a first-floor balcony.
Alcohol-related cases are pending against the former president and treasurer of the Sigma Alpha Mu chapter, which is now defunct.
Initially, Treetops estimated damages at $100,000. Managers now estimate $430,000 in costs from the Jan. 17-18 vandalism.
The resort is now suing the frat, despite already collecting nearly $200,000 from its insurance company and another $25,000 from the fraternity, according to a report.
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