Amidst allegations of criminal sexual conduct, Officer Tyler Leibfried of the Duluth Police Department finds himself in a web of investigations despite escaping criminal charges, according to a public statement issued by the DPD. The initial accusation surfaced on December 20, 2024, and promptly prompted the police department to engage the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to spearhead a criminal probe into the matter.
Ensuring no conflict of interest and integrity in the process, Officer Leibfried was placed on paid leave starting December 23, 2024. Within the period of investigation into the first allegation, a second accuser stepped forward, leveling a similar charge against Leibried, thus broadening the BCA's workload and the scope of their investigative responsibilities.
Following thorough scrutiny, the BCA wrapped up their investigation and relayed their findings to the St. Louis County Attorney's Office, which, on June 26, 2025, declined to bring any criminal charges against Leibfried. The close of the BCA's involvement, however, did not signify the end of the officer's tribulations, as it became clear that the Duluth Police Department was embarking on its own internal investigation.
"We take allegations against our officers very seriously and investigate each complaint thoroughly," Chief Mike Ceynowa stated regarding the internal proceedings, as reported by the initial article. This internal investigation delves into whether Leibfried's actions were in breach of departmental and city policies; meanwhile, the cloud of official scrutiny lingers firmly over him.
Amid heightened attention to law enforcement ethics, this turn of events leaves the Duluth community and stakeholders awaiting resolution – the department has chosen not to disclose further details at this time, as the internal investigation into Officer Leibfried's conduct remains ongoing.
