Menominee Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor

Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 5, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against Robert J. Kapishkowit (Age: 26), an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, and a resident of Neopit, which  is on the Menominee Indian Reservation.

The indictment charged Kapishkowit with Sexual Abuse of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2243(a) and 1153(a). If convicted, Kapishkowit faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, from 5 years to life on supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

According to the indictment, on or about June 11, 2018, Kapishkowit engaged in a sex act with a person who had reached the age of 12 years, but had not reached the age of 16 years, and who was at least 4 years younger than him. The assault allegedly occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Menominee Indian Reservation.      

The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which will be 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.