Winnebago Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Knife Attack

Assailant Anthony Masquat will serve federal prison time followed by supervised release.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 5:07am

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A 20-year-old Winnebago man named Anthony Masquat was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for assaulting a victim with a knife in an apartment complex parking lot on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in April 2025. Masquat approached the victim, pointed a knife at him, and then repeatedly stabbed him when the victim tried to disarm Masquat. The victim was able to restrain Masquat until police arrived, but suffered multiple stab wounds requiring medical treatment.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing problem of violent crime on Native American reservations, where federal jurisdiction often complicates prosecutions. The sentencing sends a message about the consequences for such attacks, though the broader issue of public safety on reservations remains a concern.

The details

According to prosecutors, in the early morning hours of April 5, 2025, Masquat approached a victim who was seated in a vehicle in an apartment complex parking lot on the Winnebago Indian Reservation. Masquat pointed a knife at the victim and told him to get out of the vehicle. The victim exited with his hands up and then tried to disarm Masquat by pushing him against the vehicle. During the struggle, Masquat repeatedly stabbed the victim, who was ultimately able to restrain Masquat until police arrived. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds requiring medical attention, including stitches.

  • On April 5, 2025, the incident occurred in the early morning hours.
  • On February 20, 2026, Masquat was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison.

The players

Anthony Masquat

A 20-year-old man from the Winnebago Indian Reservation who was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for assaulting a victim with a knife.

U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods

The U.S. Attorney who announced Masquat's sentencing.

U.S. District Judge Brian Buescher

The federal judge who sentenced Masquat to 30 months in prison.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing problem of violent crime on Native American reservations, where federal jurisdiction often complicates prosecutions.”

— U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods

What’s next

After serving his 30-month sentence, Masquat will begin a 3-year term of supervised release.

The takeaway

This sentencing underscores the need for continued efforts to address violent crime and improve public safety on Native American reservations, where jurisdictional challenges can hinder effective law enforcement and prosecution.