Darwin J. Pamanet, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Wisconsin 2022

Menominee Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse

A 46-year-old Menominee Indian man is facing serious charges after allegedly committing heinous crimes against children. Darwin J. Pamanet, of Keshena, Wisconsin, has been indicted on five counts related to the abuse of minors.

According to the indictment, Pamanet committed aggravated sexual abuse against three children under the age of 12 between July 2021 and December 2021. The defendant allegedly recorded himself performing sex acts with at least one of the victims, and a search of his electronic device revealed images of child pornography.

The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier is prosecuting the case.

Pamanet is charged with three counts of aggravated sexual abuse, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2241(c) and 1153(a); one count of sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a); and one count of possession of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(5)(B).

If convicted, Pamanet faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison for the aggravated sexual abuse charges, up to life in prison. He also faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a child charge, up to 30 years in prison. The possession of child pornography charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and state and local law enforcement agencies are working together to bring perpetrators to justice and protect victims.

Pamanet is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt.

Contact Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales at 414-297-1700 for additional information.

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