Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on October 8, 2024, a federal grand jury issued an indictment alleging that Benjamin L. Joos (age: 43) of Tigerton, Wisconsin, assaulted a federal employee in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a) and 111(b).
According to the indictment, on or about September 24, 2024, Joos “knowingly and by means and use of a dangerous weapon, namely a shotgun, did forcibly assault, oppose, impede, intimidate, and interfere” with a female postal carrier while she was performing her official duties. If convicted of the offense, he faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. 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 his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.