Duluth (trfnews.i234.me) — The Duluth Police Department says one of its officers is now under an internal investigation after two sexual assault allegations surfaced.
Department Confirms Internal Probe
City officials confirmed Wednesday that Officer Tyler Leibfried is the subject of an ongoing internal review.
The department said the investigation follows two separate sexual assault complaints involving Officer Tyler Leibfried.
Leaders did not release detailed timelines for the alleged incidents.
Tyler Leibfried remains employed while the review continues, according to the city’s statement.
Officials say employment status and duty assignments could change as more facts are gathered.
The department noted that internal affairs investigators are handling the case under existing city policy.
Prosecutors Earlier Declined Criminal Charges
The St. Louis County Attorney’s Office previously reviewed the sexual assault claims.
After that review, prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against Tyler Leibfried.
They did not rule out future action if new evidence appears.
Even without criminal counts, the Duluth Police Department chose to open its own investigation.
Internal reviews can examine policy violations that do not meet criminal standards.
Any discipline from an internal case can range from a firing warning.
Officer Had Earlier Use-of-Force Controversy
Tyler Leibfried was involved in a separate high-profile case earlier this year.
He faced trial for a 2020 shooting that wounded an unarmed man inside a Duluth apartment building.
Investigators said the shot came through a door and the floor during a tense confrontation.
A jury later acquitted the officer of those criminal charges.
After the verdict, an arbitrator reviewed his firing and ordered his return to the force.
The case drew statewide attention to police discipline and appeal processes.
Background on Minnesota police standards is available from the POST Board, which licenses officers in the state.
Next Steps in Internal Case
The Duluth Police Department says it will not release full details while the case is open.
Officials say they want to protect the privacy of the people who made the complaints.
They also say Tyler Leibfried is entitled to due process under labor rules and city contracts.
When the investigation ends, the department may share a summary of its findings.
Anyone who believes they have information about police misconduct can contact the department or city oversight offices.
More information on how Duluth handles internal complaints is posted on the Duluth Police Department website.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
