Beach Bums Cleared in Investigation

Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Bob Cooney has concluded that the Traverse City Beach Bums did not violate a state law by failing to forward funds to a veterans group.

In early July, a member of the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Coalition made a complaint to the prosecutor alleging that the team did not turn over funds raised from charity auctions held by the Beach Bums in 2012 and 2013. At the auctions, the team sold patriotic jerseys and other merchandise stating on its website that the money raised was going to area veterans. The coalition member stated that money from the auctions was never received by the group.

“Given the serious nature of the allegations, the complaint was turned over to the Grand Traverse County Sheriff for further investigation,” Cooney wrote in press release. “The Sheriff’s Department conducted an investigation by interviewing officials with both the coalition and the Beach Bums. The prosecuting attorney has reviewed the sheriff’s investigation and has concluded that the Beach Bums have not violated Michigan’s Charitable Organizations and Solicitation Act.”

According to Cooney, the veterans group informed the sheriff’s department and the prosecutor that it has met with the Beach Bums to resolve differences and is planning to work with the team on future charitable events.