A Michigan man pleaded guilty Tuesday, Aug. 12, to a felony charge for falsifying records related to a Coast Guard-approved maritime training course, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.
Mel Stackpoole, 62, entered the plea before U.S. District Judge Terrence G. Berg to one count of knowingly altering and falsifying records with intent to impede a matter within the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Stackpoole owned and operated Great Lakes Charter Training, Algonac, Mich., a school offering courses for individuals seeking Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC). Court documents state that in August 2020, Stackpoole provided students in his Master 100 Ton Captain’s Course with less than the required 80 hours of instruction, delivering under 50 hours instead. He also instructed students to falsify information on their MMC applications, including sea service history, medical disclosures, and drug use.
In addition, Stackpoole gave students answers to certain exam questions, altered incorrect answers to appear correct, and inflated test scores to show passing grades. He then issued course completion certificates to students, falsely indicating to the Coast Guard that they had successfully completed the course requirements.
“Mel Stackpoole has endangered the safety of everyone who uses the waterways of our Great Lakes by deliberately circumnavigating the Coast Guard’s training and certification protocols and facilitating the issuance of credentials to unskilled and unqualified mariners.” said Gorgon.
Capt. Richard Armstrong, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, said, “Integrity is the cornerstone of our maritime profession. When that trust is broken, it jeopardizes individual careers and the safety and security of our waterways. The U.S. Coast Guard stands firm in ensuring that those who choose to deceive or falsify their merchant mariner credential, or those who subvert the credentialing process, will be held accountable.”
“As the leading maritime investigative agency, CGIS plays a vital role in investigating complex fraudulent schemes perpetrated against the U.S. Coast Guard and the public. This plea represents our investigative commitment to the maritime community in ensuring CGIS pursues those that would seek to take advantage of programs designed to enhance maritime safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Packer.
“As the leading maritime investigative agency, CGIS plays a vital role in investigating complex fraudulent schemes perpetrated against the U.S. Coast Guard and the public. This plea represents our investigative commitment to the maritime community in ensuring CGIS pursues those that would seek to take advantage of programs designed to enhance maritime safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Josh Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Central Field Office.
Stackpoole is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 18, 2025. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Investigative Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Wyse and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne M. Lambert.
