Sex Offenders in Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County sex offenders are listed in Michigan's statewide Public Sex Offender Registry, managed by the Michigan State Police. Keweenaw is the smallest county in Michigan by population, with roughly 2,000 residents, but it is still subject to the same registration laws that apply across all 83 counties. Anyone can search for registered sex offenders in Keweenaw County, including in and around Eagle River, using the free Michigan PSOR search tool. Local registration is handled through the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office in Eagle River.

Keweenaw County Sex Offender Registry Search

To find registered sex offenders in Keweenaw County, use the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry search. The tool is free to use and does not require an account. You can search by county name, enter a zip code from the Eagle River area, or type a specific street address to find offenders registered nearby. Name searches are also available if you are looking for a specific individual.

Because Keweenaw County is so sparsely populated, the number of active registrants is very small compared to urban Michigan counties. That said, the registry still captures all required individuals, and the data is updated as offenders report changes under MCL 28.725. Each profile shows the registrant's full name, photo, current address, offense type, and tier classification.

Keweenaw County is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, on the Keweenaw Peninsula jutting into Lake Superior. It is geographically remote, and many residents rely on state-level tools since local resources are limited. The PSOR is the most reliable tool available for checking sex offender status here. Court records for the county can be searched through MiCOURT Case Search.

The state registry homepage at mspsor.com gives an overview of how Michigan's system works and provides links to search tools. The image below shows the Michigan PSOR homepage.

The Michigan State Police maintains the PSOR and keeps it updated as registrants report new information across all Michigan counties, including Keweenaw.

Registration at the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office

Sex offender registration in Keweenaw County is done through the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office at 5105 4th Street, Eagle River, MI 49950. The main phone number is 906-337-0528, and the fax is 906-337-3010. Sheriff Curt Pennala oversees the department.

Any person required to register must appear in person to complete or update their registration. The three-business-day rule under MCL 28.723 applies here just as it does across the rest of Michigan. You must register within three business days of moving into the county, and you must update your information within three business days of any change. That includes a new home address, a new vehicle, a change in work location, or a change in school enrollment. Mail-in or online registration is not permitted.

When you come in to register, bring a government-issued photo ID, proof of your current address, and vehicle information if applicable. The registration fee is $50 at initial registration, $50 for each annual renewal, and capped at a $550 lifetime maximum. Keweenaw County's small size means the sheriff's staff may have limited hours, so calling ahead at 906-337-0528 before visiting is a good idea.

Note: Registrants should call the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office to confirm current business hours before arriving, as remote Upper Peninsula offices sometimes have limited or seasonal staffing.

Tier Levels and Reporting Frequency

Michigan law at MCL 28.725a divides all registered sex offenders into three tiers. The tier is determined by the offense, not by the registrant's behavior after conviction. Once assigned, it does not change unless the underlying conviction is overturned or modified through the courts.

Tier I includes lower-level sex offenses such as fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct under MCL 750.520e. Tier I offenders in Keweenaw County verify their registration once a year and remain on the public registry for 15 years from the date of release or sentencing. Tier II covers mid-level offenses, including second-degree criminal sexual conduct under MCL 750.520c. Tier II registrants report every six months and stay on the list for 25 years. Tier III is for the most serious offenses, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct under MCL 750.520b. These registrants verify quarterly and are on the public registry for life.

All verification must be done in person at the Keweenaw County Sheriff's Office. Offenders cannot verify by phone, mail, or online. Failure to verify on time is a separate violation from failure to register initially, and both carry criminal penalties under MCL 28.729.

Legal Penalties for Non-Compliance

Michigan's Sex Offenders Registration Act at MCL 28.721 and following sections sets strict penalties for anyone who fails to follow registration rules. Non-compliance is a felony in Michigan. A first violation under MCL 28.729 can bring up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A second violation raises the maximum to seven years and $10,000. A third or later offense can result in up to ten years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

These penalties apply to any failure to register, any failure to report a change within three business days, and any provision of false information during registration. Even a seemingly minor lapse, like failing to report a new vehicle, can trigger a felony charge. Keweenaw County prosecutors work with the Michigan State Police to identify and pursue non-compliant offenders.

Note: Out-of-state offenders who move to Keweenaw County must register within three business days of establishing residency, even if they were not required to register in their prior state.

Additional Tools for Keweenaw County Records

Beyond the PSOR, a few other state tools can help with research in Keweenaw County. The Michigan Offender Tracking Information System (OTIS) shows whether someone is currently on parole or probation in Michigan. It is run by the Michigan Department of Corrections and is separate from the sex offender registry. If someone recently left state prison and may be living in Keweenaw County, OTIS can confirm their supervision status.

The ICHAT tool from the Michigan State Police provides criminal conviction history for Michigan offenders. It costs $10 per search and covers all felony and misdemeanor convictions, not just sex offenses. It can be a useful supplement to the PSOR, especially if a person's sex offense was not subject to registration but you still want to check their background.

The National Sex Offender Public Website is free and searches registries across all fifty states. Use it to check if someone coming to Keweenaw County from another state has a registration obligation or prior sex offense conviction elsewhere. If you have questions about a specific case or registry entry, you can reach the Michigan State Police SOR Unit at (517) 241-1806 or psors@michigan.gov.

Cities in Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County has no cities that meet the population threshold for dedicated pages on this site. Eagle River is the county seat and serves as the administrative center, but the entire county population is around 2,000. To search for registered sex offenders anywhere in Keweenaw County, use the Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry at mspsor.com and filter by county or zip code.

Nearby Counties

Keweenaw County is located at the northern tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and borders Houghton County to the south. Other Upper Peninsula counties are nearby.