Michael R. Gagnon - Repeat Sex Offender - Impersonates an Officer while hunting for victims

A convicted sex offender who allegedly made sexual comments to employees at two Rehoboth Beach businesses while impersonating a police officer was charged in connection with the incidents, state police said.

Michael R. Gagnon, 45, of the 31000 block of New Street in Dagsboro, was charged with impersonating a police officer and failure to re-register as a sex offender -- both felonies -- as well as two counts of third-degree criminal solicitation, two counts of sexual harassment and one count of disorderly conduct, all misdemeanors.

Gagnon, a Tier 1 (low-risk) registered sex offender, was committed to the Sussex Correctional Center in lieu of $15,000 cash bond and ordered to have no contact with the victims or the businesses involved.

State police were called to the Corning Ware Outlet at 36720 Bayside Outlet Drive on Thursday at about 5 p.m. Thursday for a sexual harassment complaint, said Cpl. Angela Garnsey, a state police spokeswoman.

Troopers learned that a man -- later identified as Gagnon -- entered the store and allegedly made "inappropriate sexual comments" to a 20-year-old man who works there, Garnsey said.

The employee was alarmed by the comments and called police.

Meanwhile, Gagnon -- who was wearing police apparel -- left in a Ford Crown Victoria that appeared to be an unmarked patrol vehicle, Garnsey said.

He then drove to the Purple Parrot Restaurant at 247 Rehoboth Ave. and allegedly made sexually explicit comments to a 19-year-old male employee, she said.

Because of the remarks, Gagnon was asked to leave the restaurant, but he refused, claiming that he was a police officer, she said.

Rehoboth Beach police were called, and Gagnon was taken into custody without incident and turned over to state police.

"25% of all sex offenders re-offend within 15 years"

.........Sarah Tofte