Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A St. Clair County resident, Mel Stackpoole, pleaded guilty to a felony charge in federal court for falsifying records related to a maritime training course intended for merchant mariner credentials. The plea was announced by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., alongside Captain Richard Armstrong, Commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit, and Special Agent in Charge Josh Packer from the Coast Guard Investigative Service’s Central Field Office in Detroit.
Stackpoole, 62, who owned and led Great Lakes Charter Training, admitted to knowingly altering and falsifying documents with the intent to obstruct the proper administration of matters under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. According to court documents, in August 2020 Stackpoole provided students enrolled in his Master 100 Ton Captain’s Course with less than 50 hours of classroom instruction instead of the required 80 hours. He also directed students to submit false information regarding their sea service history, medical background, and drug use on applications for merchant mariner credentials.
Further investigation revealed that Stackpoole supplied students with answers to exam questions, altered incorrect test responses to correct ones, and raised failing grades to passing scores. He then issued certificates falsely indicating successful course completion.
“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.” U.S. Attorney Gorgon 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” said Captain Richard Armstrong, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Detroit.
“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.
Stackpoole’s sentencing is scheduled for December 18, 2025 before United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg; he faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted on all counts.
The case was investigated by both the U.S. Coast Guard and its Investigative Service unit and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse along with Special Assistant United States Attorney Corinne M. Lambert.
