MARQUETTE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WZMQ) – Additional arrests have been made in an alleged child abuse case.
On February 17, 57-year-old Dr. Colin Irish and his wife, 49-year-old Carrie Irish, were arrested on a felony second degree child abuse charge. The couple is accused of locking their 10-year-old special needs son in a closet for several hours a day, forcing him to sleep wearing only underwear without a mattress, blanket, or pillow.
Officials say the child’s closet had no heating vents or windows, and the walls were modified with plastic sheet panels and linoleum floors. A lock on the door’s exterior prevented the child from exiting. The child had defecated and urinated in the room multiple times and was forced to clean it, leaving a strong odor of cleaning solution in the air.
On March 7, the Marquette County Prosecutor’s Office authorized arrest warrants for 47-year-old Michelle Maxson and 80-year-old Linda Maxson, both of Marquette Township, in connection to the child abuse investigation. New information alleges that an 8-year-old child living in the Irish home was neglected from receiving proper medical care for ongoing medical needs. Michelle and Linda Maxson shared a household with Dr. Colin and Carrie Irish at the time.
On March 10, Linda Maxson turned herself in on a warrant for second degree child abuse and two counts of committing second degree child abuse in the presence of another minor. She posted a $1,000 cash bond and was released.
Michelle Maxson was taken into custody on March 10 for second degree child abuse and two counts of committing second degree child abuse in the presence of another minor. Having been listed as an employee with Marquette Area Public Schools, she also faces two counts of failure to report child abuse as a mandated reporter. She was released from the Marquette County Jail the following day on a $2,000 cash bond.
On March 12, Marquette Area Public Schools released a statement regarding a “district employee” charged in an ongoing investigation. The statement reads, “Although the criminal allegations are unrelated to conduct in our schools, we take this matter very seriously and are fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities.
“While we cannot share further details at this time, we want our community to know that the safety and wellbeing of our students remains our top priority. The district follows strict protocols to ensure a safe learning environment and always takes immediate action in accordance with district policies and legal requirements.
“Our focus at this time is on supporting our students, staff, and families. Any inquiries related to the investigation should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.”
On March 13, Colin and Carrie Irish were arraigned at the 96th District Court of Marquette on additional charges. They were both charged with two counts of first degree child abuse, two counts of committing first degree child abuse in the presence of another minor, and two counts of committing second degree child abuse in the presence of another minor. Dr. Colin Irish was also charged with two counts of failure to report child abuse due to being a mandated reporter. All four defendants are scheduled to appear in the 96th District Court on April 14 for a preliminary hearing.
Click here for WZMQ 19’s original report on the arrest of Colin and Carrie Irish.
