Skip to main content
Press Release

Keshena Man Sentenced for Aggravated Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on December 17, 2018, Shawn Sanapaw (age: 38), of Keshena, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach after a conviction for Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury. The sentence was the result of a July 2, 2018, guilty plea entered before Chief Judge.

The investigation revealed that on September 29, 2017, Sanapaw caused injuries to another person when he struck that person with a floor lamp. Witnesses further indicated Sanapaw pointed a rifle at the person and unsuccessfully attempted to fire it. Sanapaw then left the residence, which was in a remote portion of the Menominee Indian Reservation. Officers with the Menominee Tribal Police Department later apprehended Sanapaw. Sanapaw pleaded guilty to assault in Menominee Tribal Court and served a tribal sentence for the offense, before going into federal custody in June 2018.

In sentencing Sanapaw, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense, and observed the need to deter others who might consider similar actions, stating “this type of behavior cannot be tolerated.”

The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.

# # # #

For additional information contact:

Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig 414 297-1700

Updated December 18, 2018