Gokey Pleads Guilty to Bogus Distress Call

The former Marquette businessman accused in federal court of trying to fake his own death pleads guilty.

44-year-old Michael Gokey admitted this morning to sending a false distress signal to the Coast Guard.

It happened the day before Memorial Day two years ago.

Gokey could receive up to six years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

He’ll receive his sentence on November 1st.

No matter what else he’s sentenced to, he’ll have to reimburse the Coast Guard for the cost of the bogus search, which is just under $57,000.

Gokey is on probation for his role in the Hawks Ridge condominium fraud case.