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Press Release

Keshena Man Sentenced to 36 Months in Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter 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 Saswaen Waukechon (age: 38), of Keshena, was sentenced on November 8, 2018 to 36 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release after a conviction for Involuntary Manslaughter on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentence was the result of a June 28, 2018, guilty plea before Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.

The investigation revealed that Waukechon operated his motor vehicle while intoxicated on January 13, 2018. Waukechon drove onto the ice at Legend Lake and struck a bridge in the area of Brave Island, causing extensive damage to the passenger compartment of the vehicle and killing a front seat passenger. Analysis of Waukechon’s blood alcohol content showed that it was well over twice the legal limit at the time of driving.

In sentencing Waukechon, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense. Chief Judge Griesbach also noted there was “no excuse for this,” and stated his desire was to “deter others who callously go out and drive after drinking.” Chief Judge Griesbach also observed the impact the offense had on the victims’ family and the Menominee Indian community as a whole.

The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.

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For additional information contact:

Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at 414 297-1700

Updated November 16, 2018