Michael Powell grew up in Hudson Falls and graduated high school in 1997. Upon graduation, Michael enlisted in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and went to basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. His permanent duty station was in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was a Financial Management Analyst and was awarded the “Marine of the Quarter” in his first year as a Marine. Michael was honorably discharged from the USMC after four years of active duty service.
After being honorably discharged, Michael set his sights on his next goal: to be the first college graduate in his immediate family. He started his academic journey at Adirondack Community College (ACC) and earned his Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Michael then transferred to Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale, Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Criminology.
Michael still had the desire to serve his country and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the USMC in 2008. He served as an intelligence Officer for 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment. Additionally, he successfully deployed to Iraq serving as an Intelligence Officer Advisor for the 27th Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division and was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Michael was honorably discharged, while achieving the rank of Captain.
After serving approximately eight years in the USMC, both enlisted and as an officer, Michael was hired by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as a Special Agent. Michael graduated from the FBI Academy, located in Quantico, Virginia and is currently assigned to a violent crime/major offenders (VCMO) squad. He investigates various federal crimes, such as bank robberies, kidnappings, murder for hires, major thefts, extortions, and crimes against children.