The Sconi

Desmond Waukau, a 22-year-old member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and former resident of Keshena, has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The sentence was handed down by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach on September 5, 2025.

Waukau will also serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

Court documents indicate that Waukau was driving at a high speed on a state highway within the Menominee Indian Reservation when he attempted to evade tribal law enforcement officers. He lost control while turning onto Crowe Settlement Road, an unpaved road between Keshena and Middle Village. The crash resulted in the death of a passenger. Investigators determined that Waukau was traveling about 105 mph five seconds before the collision and 65 mph at impact.

At sentencing, Judge Griesbach addressed the gravity of the incident and emphasized accountability. "The seriousness of the crime and remarked upon the need to punish the defendant for his acts," said Judge Griesbach during the hearing. The judge also highlighted the importance of deterring reckless driving in the community.

The investigation was conducted by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case.

Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the sentence.

For more information, Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero can be contacted at (414) 297-1700.