Registered Sex Offender Arrested After Hospital Investigation

Sheriff Darren Campbell reported that on Monday, December 22, 2025, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office received information indicating that a registered sex offender may have been inside a local hospital.

Under North Carolina law, registered sex offenders are prohibited from being within 300 feet of certain locations, including schools, daycare centers, and hospital birthing centers. These restrictions are in place due to the presence of children and families in those areas.

The case was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, where Sex Offender Registry Compliance Detective A. Sanford began an investigation. Detective Sanford identified the suspect as 50-year-old Michael Shane McGinty and confirmed that McGinty was present at the hospital on December 22. Investigators determined McGinty was not there for a medical emergency, which is one of the limited exceptions permitted under state law.

Based on the evidence gathered, Detective Sanford obtained a warrant charging McGinty with Felony Unlawful Presence on a Premises by a Registered Sex Offender.

Detective Sanford then attempted to serve the warrant at McGinty’s registered address in Statesville. McGinty could not be located, and individuals at the residence advised that he was no longer living there. Because registered sex offenders are required by law to report any change of address, a second warrant was obtained charging McGinty with Felony Failure to Report Change of Address by a Registered Sex Offender.

On December 23, 2025, McGinty was located and arrested. He was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center. On December 25, 2025, McGinty appeared before Magistrate Thompson, who issued a $100,000 secured bond.

McGinty is charged with:

Felony Unlawful Presence on a Premises by a Registered Sex Offender

Felony Failure to Notify of Address Change by a Registered Sex Offender