Desmond Waukau, 22, an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and former resident of Keshena, has been sentenced to 42 months in prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. The sentencing took place on September 5, 2025, before Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
Waukau will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. According to court documents, Waukau was driving at a speed far above the posted limit on a state highway through the Menominee Indian Reservation when he attempted to evade tribal law enforcement officers traveling in the opposite direction. He failed to make a turn onto Crowe Settlement Road—an unpaved road between Keshena and Middle Village—which resulted in a crash that killed a passenger in his vehicle.
An investigation determined that Waukau was driving approximately 105 mph five seconds before the crash and was still traveling at 65 mph at impact.
At sentencing, Judge Griesbach commented on the gravity of the offense and emphasized the importance of holding Waukau accountable for his actions. The judge also addressed the need for deterrence within the community regarding reckless driving.
The case was investigated 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, stated: “On September 5, 2025, Desmond Waukau (age: 22), an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and former resident of Keshena, received a 42-month prison sentence following a conviction for involuntary manslaughter.”
