Not guilty plea for man accused of charity violation

An Ishpeming Township business owner involved in a charity violation case pleaded not guilty on Friday.

Scott Martin, 40, had his arraignment in Marquette County Circuit Court on a charge of violating the Michigan Charitable Organizations and Solicitation Act.

Martin’s business, Martin Sports Apparel, printed and sold T-shirts in late 2012 in memory of Christopher ‘Bubba’ Croley, who died when his family’s vehicle was hit by a drunk driver.

During Martin’s preliminary exam, witnesses testified that for every $15 T-shirt sold, $10 would go to the Croley family. The family has never received the money.

Matrin said a Marquette County Sheriff’s Department detective told him in late 2012 to leave the proceeds where they were being stored until receiving further instructions. He and his attorney claim that because Martin never received any more instructions, he still the money.

Alger County Prosecutor Karen Bahrman is handling the case.

Martin’s next court date has not been scheduled yet.