ALTON – A sex offender accused of failing to register with the Alton Police Department and resisting one of its officers faces new charges in Madison County.
Michael A. Charnota, 47, of the 2300 block of Brown Street in Alton, was charged on Sept. 14, 2026 with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender and a Class A misdemeanor count of resisting a peace officer.
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The day prior on Sept. 13, Charnota allegedly failed to register as a sex offender on an annual basis with the Alton Police Department, as required under the Sex Offender Registration Act.
He is also accused of resisting being detained by an Alton Police officer by pulling away from the officer and ignoring lawful orders on the same date.
The Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry currently lists Charnota as “non-compliant,” having most recently registered on April 13, 2025. Charnota was previously convicted in Madison County of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim who was 13-16 years old at the time of the offense.
The latest case against Charnota was presented by the Alton Police Department, and he currently remains in custody at the Madison County Jail.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
