Keshena Man, Shawano Woman Indicted for Obstruction of Justice and Firearm Offense on Menominee Indian Reservation

Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 16, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against a man and woman allegedly involved in a firearms offense on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charged Aaron C. Smith (age: 27), formerly of Keshena, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation, and Keanna R. King (age: 26), of Shawano.

Count One of the indictment charged Smith with Prohibited Possession of a Firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g). Smith faces a maximum of ten years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release if convicted of this offense. The indictment also charged Smith with Obstruction of Justice in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(1). If convicted of this offense, Smith faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

King is charged in Count Three with False Declarations Before a Grand Jury in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1623(a). If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release.

According to the indictment, on or about April 21, 2019, Smith possessed a .25 caliber handgun despite knowing he was prohibited from possession due to a previous conviction. On or about May 6, 2019, Smith allegedly acted to influence King’s testimony before a federal grand jury. According to the indictment, on or about May 29, 2019, King provided false testimony to a federal grand jury when she denied Smith handed her a firearm he illegally possessed on April 21, 2019.

The Menominee Tribal Police Department, Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory, and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.

An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

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