Great Lakes Wire

A St. Clair County man has pleaded guilty to a felony charge involving the falsification of records for a maritime training course, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

Mel Stackpoole, 62, admitted in federal court to knowingly altering and falsifying documents with the intent to interfere with the proper administration of matters under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg.

Court records indicate that Stackpoole owned and served as lead instructor at Great Lakes Charter Training, which offered Coast Guard-approved courses required for merchant mariner credentials (MMC). In August 2020, Stackpoole provided less than 50 hours of classroom instruction for his Master 100 Ton Captain’s Course, despite regulations requiring 80 hours. He also directed students to give false information about their sea service, medical history, and drug use on MMC applications submitted to the Coast Guard. Additionally, Stackpoole supplied students with answers to exam questions, altered incorrect responses to correct ones, and raised test scores so that failing grades appeared as passing. He then issued course completion certificates that falsely indicated successful completion of 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.” 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 is scheduled for sentencing on December 18, 2025 at 2 p.m., where he faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The investigation was conducted by both the U.S. Coast Guard and its Investigative Service. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse and Special Assistant United States Attorney Corinne M. Lambert.