Law

Ex-judge for Menominee Nation sentenced for child pornography


The indictment in US v. Martin

Joseph H. Martin, a member of the Menominee Nation of Wisconsin who has been active in Indian law circles, was sentenced to five years in federal prison in a child pornography case.

Martin, 54, pleaded guilty in February to one charge for receiving child pornography. He kept the material on his home computer in Wisconsin, according to the indictment in the case.

Martin is the Menominee Nation's former chief justice and former prosecutor. He also served as chief legislative counsel for the Little River Band of the Ottawa Indians but was terminated because he failed to obtain a license to practice law in Michigan.

The tribe eventually asked the Illinois State Bar to investigate Martin, as he was practicing law in that state. A review board substantiated several complaints against Martin, according to documents posted by Turtle Talk.

Martin is a former president of the National Native American Bar Association. He was a frequent presenter at Indian law events up until a few years ago.

Martin will serve his sentence in the federal prison in Elkton, Ohio, The Shawano Leader reported.

Get the Story:
Former Menominee chief justice sentenced on child porn charge (The Shawano Leader 7/11)

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