Two Keshena Men Sentenced for Firearms Offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation

Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Bobby Joe Sanapaw (age: 33) and Jeremy Fish (age: 34), both of Keshena, recently received sentences after convictions for firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentences were the result of July 12, 2018, guilty pleas entered by both men before Chief United States District Judge William C. Griesbach. Sanapaw was placed on probation for a period on one year on October 31, 2018 after a conviction for Possession of a Short-Barreled Shotgun. Fish was sentenced on November 9, 2018 to 18 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release after a conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The investigation revealed that on July 12, 2017, Fish armed himself with a rifle and provided Sanapaw with a short-barreled shogun in order to confront residents at a nearby home about the neighbors’ dog. After entering the neighbors’ home and indicating a desire to kill the dog, Fish fatally shot the dog. The two fled the area after one of the residents retrieved a handgun. The resident shot and seriously wounded Sanapaw. 

In sentencing Fish and Sanapaw, Chief Judge Griesbach noted the serious nature of the offense. Chief Judge Griesbach also noted that the combination of alcohol and firearms led to a “catastrophe,” and observed the need to deter others who might consider similar actions in dealing with neighbors.

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.

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For additional information contact:

Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig at 414 297-1700