Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2017, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against a man and woman allegedly involved in drug trafficking and firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment named Leroy F. Sanapaw, Sr. (age: 42), and Kerry L. Nacotee (age: 42) of Keshena, which is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Count One charges Sanapaw with Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana in violation of 21 United States Code, Section 841(a)(1). Count Two charges Sanapaw and Nacotee with Felon in Possession of a Firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g). On Count One, Sanapaw faces a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and from 3 years to a lifetime of supervised release. On Count Two, Sanapaw and Nacotee each face a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to 3 years of supervised release.
According to the indictment, on May 8, 2014, investigators discovered over 250 grams of marijuana and five rifles of various calibers during the execution of a search warrant at the couple’s Keshena residence. Both Sanapaw and Nacotee are prohibited from possessing firearms.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation (Native American Drug and Gang Initiative), and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
