Manitowoc Firearm Theft Leads to Federal Charges

Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Dewane J. Mrotek (age: 45) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

The indictment alleges that Mrotek stole a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer, Fleet Farm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(u). 

If convicted of stealing the firearm he faces up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. 

This case was investigated by the City of Manitowoc Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.  PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN 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.

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For Additional Information Contact:

Public Information Officer

Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

414-297-1700