SUTTONS BAY — A Traverse City man pleaded no contest today to causing the death of a 61-year-old Ohio man in a September crash.
Kenneth Edward Marotzke, 71, pleaded no contest to one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and one count of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor causing serious injury, in the Sept. 10 crash that killed Ronald Leo Bellman, a volunteer lighthouse keeper.
An additional count of operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor causing serious injury and one count of having open alcohol containers in his car were dismissed as part of Marotzke’s plea bargain.
Marotzke had a final conference Monday in 13th Circuit Court in Suttons Bay where the no-contest plea was accepted by Judge Kevin Elshenheimer.
The probable cause statement and Michigan State Police lab report were used as the factual basis for his ruling, Leelanau Chief Assistant Prosecutor Daniel Short said.
Marotzke acknowledged driving in Leelanau County and drinking before he drove, Short said. By pleading no contest, Marotzke accepts punishment for the crimes without admitting guilt.
He had previously pleaded not guilty to the charges and a trial had been scheduled for Feb. 24-27 before Elsenheimer.
His next court appearance will now be for sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. During the sentencing, Bellman’s family and other victims will be allowed to tell the court how the crash has changed their lives.
“I think that will be an important aspect of sentencing,” Short said.
Police said Marotzke was driving a 2025 Chevrolet pickup truck south on South West Bayshore Drive near Walters Drive when the truck crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2019 Honda Civic at about 11:30 a.m. Sept. 10.
Bellman, the driver of the Honda, was killed and three passengers were injured and taken to Munson Medical Center, police said. Bellman had come to northern Michigan to work as a volunteer lighthouse keeper.
At his arraignment on Oct. 7 in 86th District Court, Marotzke was given a $150,000 personal recognizance bond. He was being treated at the Grand Traverse Pavilions for treatment at the time, but later returned to his home near Acme in Grand Traverse County.
Marotzke has been a resident of the area for 12 years, he said at his arraignment.
His bond required him to submit to discretionary preliminary blood tests and urine screens and he is not allowed to use alcohol, illegal drugs or mind or mood-altering substances.
His bond was later amended to revoke his driving privileges.
Marotzke’s attorney, Patrick Fragel, did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.