Georgetown Man Faces Federal Prison for Registration Lapse

PORTLAND, ME – Michael Nagell, 51, of Georgetown, Maine, is headed back to federal prison after a jury found him guilty of failing to update his sex offender registration, a violation that landed him a 30-month sentence. U.S. District Court Judge George Z. Singal also tacked on an additional 10 months for violating the terms of his supervised release stemming from a prior federal conviction, to be served consecutively. The sentence was handed down today, marking the culmination of a case doggedly pursued by federal authorities.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig M. Wolff detailed the case, revealing that Nagell’s troubles began long before his move to Maine. In 2007, Nagell was convicted in Massachusetts federal court of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. This conviction designated him as a sex offender under the federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), triggering a lifelong obligation to keep his registration current.

The investigation showed Nagell initially complied with SORNA, registering with the Maine sex offender registry upon moving to the state in July 2012. However, in December 2015, he secured full-time employment with a Portland-based company – a significant change in circumstance he deliberately failed to report. He continued working there until April 2016, all the while remaining in violation of federal law. This wasn’t simply an oversight; the court found Nagell knowingly failed to update his registration, a critical factor in the sentencing.

The prosecution successfully argued that Nagell’s failure to comply wasn’t a victimless crime. Accurate sex offender registries are vital for public safety, providing crucial information to communities. By withholding information about his employment, Nagell potentially jeopardized the safety of others, prompting the judge to impose a substantial sentence and a decade of supervised release following his incarceration.

This case underscores the serious consequences of failing to comply with SORNA requirements. While some view registration as a mere formality, federal authorities clearly see it as a fundamental component of protecting vulnerable individuals. The U.S. Marshals Service led the investigation, demonstrating a commitment to tracking and holding accountable those who attempt to evade their legal obligations.

Nagell’s legal woes don’t end with the 40-month prison term. The 10 years of supervised release will subject him to strict monitoring and potential re-incarceration if he violates the conditions of his release. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments. Contact Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig M. Wolff at (207) 780-3257 for further inquiries.