Mel Stackpoole, 62, former owner of Great Lakes Charter Training, has admitted to a felony charge for falsifying records that were intended to be used by the U.S. Coast Guard, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The felony is linked to fraudulent activities around the training of potential merchant mariners, as confirmed by Gorgon, who was joined in the announcement by two pillars of integrity in maritime oversight – Captain Richard Armstrong of the U.S. Coast Guard and Special Agent Josh Packer of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
Operating from St. Clair County, Stackpoole acknowledged, in front of United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg, altering and falsifying records with the intent to hamper matters within Coast Guard jurisdiction, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Upon pleading guilty to the aforementioned charge, he unveiled a fraud that had been conducted in his Master 100 Ton Captain's Course, which saw students receive significantly less instruction than the mandated 80 hours. Adding to his dubious methods, Stackpoole directed his students to supply false information on their applications concerning their sea service, medical history, and drug usage.
Stackpoole went beyond skimping on educational offerings by illicitly providing answers to exam questions, modifying incorrect responses, and tampering with scores to issue unearned course completion certificates. "Mel Stackpoole has endangered the safety of everyone who uses the waterways of our Great Lakes," Gorgon expressed indignation at the breach of trust, emphasizing the critical role of established training and certification protocols in maintaining maritime safety. Captain Armstrong echoed the sentiment, underscoring the need for integrity, stating, per the U.S. Attorney's Office, "When that trust is broken, it jeopardizes individual careers and the safety and security of our waterways."
As the case progresses toward a December 18, 2025, sentencing hearing, Stackpoole is facing up to 20 years of imprisonment and could receive a $250,000 fine. Special Agent Packer reminded the public of CGIS's unwavering investigative commitment and remarked on the plea as a testament to the agency's dedication to maritime community safety. "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," Packer specified, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
This prosecution, driven by a strong partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Investigative Service, enforces a clear message that fraudulent practices compromising the integrity of maritime operations will not be tolerated. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse and Special Assistant United States Attorney Corinne M. Lambert are responsible for prosecuting the case, reinforcing the legal system’s stand against such violations.
