A former resident of Keshena, Wisconsin was sentenced to 115 months in prison for a serious domestic violence offense, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin reported. John V. Miller, Jr., 43, an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe, was convicted for strangulation and assault, resulting in serious bodily injury to his ex-wife. According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad, Miller accepted a plea deal on September 27, 2024, and will also be subject to three years of supervised release after serving his time.
The victim was brutally attacked in a wooded area on the Menominee Indian Reservation and was left with a facial fracture, significant bruising, and swelling. She was choked to the point of losing consciousness by Miller. After coming to, she managed to make her way to a nearby mobile home, where assistance was summoned. Public court documents reveal that this was not an isolated incident but rather a part of a documented history of violence by Miller against the victim, including 20 prior convictions, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach presided over the sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of Miller's actions. "Brutal" and "horrendous" were the words he used to describe the attack when handing down the sentence. The court recognized not just the toll on the victim, but also the impact on the children she shares with Miller. "The need to punish the defendant for his brutal and horrendous acts" was noted by Judge Griesbach, as mentioned in the court's remarks, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Further emphasizing the need for a substantial prison term, Judge Griesbach acknowledged the necessity to "incarcerate the defendant for a lengthy period to protect the victim and public," as per the U.S. Attorney's Office. This case, investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the FBI, was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier. The prosecution aimed not just to bring justice for this particular crime but also to prevent the possibility of future violence at the hands of Miller.
