U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
Keshena Man Indicted after Prohibited Possession of Firearms, Pointing Firearm at Tribal Police Officer
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Wisconsin
Matthew D. Krueger, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 21, 2020, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against a man allegedly involved in firearms offenses during an incident at a residence on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The indictment charged Lowell V. Reed (age: 44) of Keshena as follows:
|
COUNT |
CHARGE |
PENALTY |
|
One
|
Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 18 USC §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2) |
Up to 10 years in prison. |
|
Two |
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 18 USC §§ 113(a)(3) and 1153(a) |
Up to 10 years in prison |
|
Three |
Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, 18 USC § 924(c) |
Mandatory minimum 7 consecutive years in prison, up to life in prison. |
If convicted, Reed faces the imposition of fines and a term of supervised release in addition to the imprisonment listed above.
According to the indictment, on or about June 26, 2020, Reed possessed two firearms at a residence on the Menominee Indian Reservation, despite knowing he was prohibited from doing so. During an incident that day, he allegedly pointed a shotgun at a tribal police officer.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. Project Safe Neighborhoods’ strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
This case is also part of Project Guardian, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities. For more information about Project Guardian, please see https://go.usa.gov/xpBrs
The Menominee Tribal Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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For further information contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales, (414) 297-1700
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Updated July 23, 2020
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