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, pleaded guilty to a child pornography charge.

In November, federal prosecutors indicted Martin, 54, on two counts of transporting child pornography, according to the indictment. In February, he reached a plea agreement and admitted guilt to one charge for receiving child pornography on his home computer and is due to be sentenced May 11, The Shawano Leader reported.

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 and was a frequent presenter at Indian law events up until a few years ago.

Get the Story:
Former tribal prosecutor pleads to child porn charge (The Shawano Leader 3/12)
Former Menominee Tribal Prosecutor & Chief Justice Joseph Martin Pleads Guilty To Child Porn Charge (Oneida Eye 3/12)