Attorney Gustave “Tree” Martschink of The Martschink Group released the following statement on behalf of Dinah Marie Chollet, the Summerville business owner accused of influencing teens in a Summerville High School walkout group chat:
"Ms. Chollet has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. That charge is unfounded and unsupported by the facts.
"Any reasonable person who reviews what actually occurred—not rumors, not online gossip—but what actually happened, will reach the same conclusion: the facts do not match the allegation.
"My client did not encourage anyone to break the law, commit violence, or disrupt school operations. Ms. Chollet broke no laws.
"Ms. Chollet has a long-standing history of community involvement and remains committed to the safety of all Summerville residents.
"This case will be decided in a courtroom based on evidence, not on social media narratives.
"Out of respect for the legal process, Ms. Chollet will not engage in further public commentary at this time."