Desmond Waukau, 22, a member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, was sentenced to 42 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal vehicular crash on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Waukau, driving at high speeds, attempted to flee tribal law enforcement before losing control of his vehicle on an unpaved road between Keshena and Middle Village. The car was traveling about 105 mph before the crash and 65 mph at the time of impact, resulting in the death of a passenger.
At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach highlighted the seriousness of Waukau’s actions.
The investigation involved the Menominee Tribal Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and support from the Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case.
After his prison term, Waukau will serve three years of supervised release.
