Marquette County sheriff’s deputies responded to a Marquette Township residence on Monday following allegations of child abuse reported by Child Protective Services.

While at the residence, police made contact with the homeowners, Dr. Colin Irish, 57, and his wife, Carrie Irish, 49.

Police say the Irish’s son, who has special needs, was locked in an unheated closet at the residence where he slept on a linoleum floor wearing only his underwear, and without a blanket, pillow or mattress.

The closet contained no windows, and the closet walls were modified with plastic sheet panels. According to the allegations, the boy defecated and urinated multiple times on the closet floor, and was forced

to clean up the mess, leaving a strong odor of cleaning solution in the air.

CARRIE IRISH

The abuse allegedly took place over the course of several months, with the boy being locked in the closet for several hours each day.

The 10-year-old boy was transported by EMS to UPHS-Marquette Monday and treated for possible frostbite to his feet.

The boy and two other boys, ages 6 and 8, were all removed from the Irish home and placed in foster care.

Both Colin Irish and Carrie Irish were arrested on Tuesday and charged with second-degree child abuse, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Colin Irish posted a $25,000 cash bond and Carrie Irish posted 10% of $25,000.

Both have since been released from custody and are ordered to have no contact with the three minor children.

The sheriff’s office was assisted in the investigation by Child Protective Services and Northern Light’s Child Advocacy Center.

Colin Irish and Carrie Irish are scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 2:30 p.m. on March 13 in the 96th District Court of Marquette.

In a Facebook post Wednesday, Iron County Medical Care Facility in Crystal Falls said Irish has been suspended as its attending physician.

“We are working diligently with Theoria Medical on a replacement,” ICMCF said in a statement. “We continue to have the daily services of Jill Nocerini, DNP, and the support of Theoria Medicals’ 24/7 physician services. As always, the care and comfort of our residents remains our top priority. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate this difficult situation.”

Jessica Potila can be reached at 906-228-2500. Her email address is jpotila@miningjournal.net.