Wisconsin Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for ‘Savage and Brutal’ Beating of Girlfriend
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN — A 33-year-old Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison, the maximum penalty allowed, for what a judge described as a “brutal and savage” attack on his then-girlfriend in Neopit last year.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Nee Gee Cloud was convicted in August of burglary and assault with intent to murder following a violent assault in September 2024.
Judge Calls Beating ‘Savage and Horrible’
At the November 10 sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge William Griesbach delivered the maximum sentence on each charge and ordered them to run consecutively — totaling 30 years.
Griesbach described the assault as “a prolonged and savage beating,” saying that Cloud repeatedly left and reentered a bedroom over 20 minutes to punch, kick, and stomp the victim.
“Most of the murders we see are with a gun or a knife, not with one’s bare hands,” Griesbach said in court. “To beat someone this savagely with one’s bare hands requires not just the pull of a trigger — it’s personal, violent, and inhuman. Were it done to an animal, people would be shocked. But this was a human being.”
The court also ordered Cloud to pay $2,004.30 in restitution to the victim.
Security Footage Captured the Attack
The incident occurred on September 20, 2024, when the owner of the home where Cloud was staying received security camera alerts. The footage showed Cloud violently assaulting his girlfriend inside a bedroom.
Authorities described the assault as “prolonged and horrifying.” The victim suffered orbital bone fractures and severe throat injuries that required intubation to prevent her airway from closing. She remained hospitalized for nearly a month, spending two weeks in intensive care.
Judge Griesbach said the video made it clear the victim would have died without medical intervention.
Prosecutors Sought Maximum Sentence
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Maier requested the full 30-year sentence, calling the attack “attempted murder with bare hands.” Defense attorney Thomas Phillip, however, argued that a shorter sentence would have been “sufficient,” saying Cloud grew up without positive role models and struggled with addiction, crime, and mental health issues.
Phillip said Cloud has become sober in jail and recognizes a pattern in his life: he commits crimes when intoxicated and becomes violent during relationship conflicts.
Cloud apologized in court, saying, “This whole ordeal opened my eyes,” but Judge Griesbach said his apology did not outweigh his violent record.
Long History of Violence Against Women
Judge Griesbach cited seven prior convictions involving violence — several tied to domestic abuse — as an aggravating factor.
Cloud’s past crimes included breaking a woman’s toe, biting another woman’s fingers, and dragging a woman by her hair. Despite prior probation and prison terms, Griesbach said Cloud’s violence had escalated.
“Actions speak louder than words,” the judge said. “For more than a decade, Mr. Cloud’s actions have told a consistent story — he is a severe danger to others, particularly women.”
When asked about motive, the defense declined to provide one. The judge called the attack “a wanton infliction of extreme brutality” with “no apparent reason.”
Federal Case Closes With Maximum Penalty
Cloud was sentenced to 30 years in prison, followed by three years of extended supervision, the maximum term permitted under federal law.
The U.S. Department of Justice praised the sentence, noting that it reflects the gravity of Cloud’s crime and ongoing threat to public safety.
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