SMETHPORT — James McMichael of Mount Jewett was convicted at jury trial in McKean County Court of failing to register as required for sexual offenders.

McMichael, 80, was charged by Trooper Andy Eliason of the Pennsylvania State Police with failing to appear at the state police barracks during a semi-annual registration window as required and for failing to update his mailing address, phone number and email address within three business days as required under the act, said District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer.

According to court dockets, McMichael’s registration requirement came from a 2014 conviction for indecent assault on a minor victim in Potter County.

Shaffer said he was ordered to register as a sex offender for 25 years, and to do so two times per year as designated by the state police. He has two windows of time each year during which he must register. One of them is the period of time from June 28 and July 7. In 2024, he was charged with failing to register between June 28 and July 7 and, additionally, failing to update his mailing address, phone number and email within three days of the change.

He was charged with committing the violations between Jan. 1 and July 7, 2024. Shaffer said, “Pennsylvania law requires those convicted of most sexual offenses to register under the law formerly known as Megan’s Law. ‘Registration’ refers to the requirement that the offender report to the state police barracks and give information and be photographed.”

She continued, “The law lists the applicable sexual offenses as Tier I, Tier II and Tier III and those tiers designate the length of registration to be imposed on the offender and the frequency. Some tiers require annual registration while others require more frequent.”

McMichael is classified as a Tier II offender.

“Additionally, sex offenders who are subject to Megan’s Law must appear at the state police barracks to notify them of any change in employment, residence, email, etc.,” Shaffer said. “Failure to satisfy a registration requirement often leads to notification by the Megan’s Law Division of the State Police or referral from a citizen and investigation by law enforcement.”

Assistant District Attorney Thomas Coppolo prosecuted the case on behalf of the commonwealth. Sentencing has been scheduled for May 29.