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2030 North Arlington Avenue • Duluth, Minnesota 55811 • www.duluthmn.gov
Public Information Officer, Mattie Hjelseth at (218) 730-5434 or mhjelseth@duluthmn.gov
SUBJECT: Statement regarding ongoing internal investigation of Officer Tyler Leibfried
BY: Mattie Hjelseth, Duluth Police Department Public Information Officer
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Statement regarding ongoing internal investigation of Officer Tyler Leibfried
On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Duluth Police Department (DPD) received an allegation of criminal sexual conduct involving Officer Tyler Leibfried. Based on the information provided, DPD promptly contacted the MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to conduct a criminal investigation. Per the BCA’s request, and to preserve the integrity of the investigation, DPD placed Leibfried on paid leave on Monday, December 23, 2024, and he remains on paid leave.
During the BCA’s initial investigation, a separate complainant came forward with a similar allegation against Liebfried, which required additional investigative time.
The MN BCA completed their investigation into both complaints and sent their findings to the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office. On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the County Attorney’s Office declined to criminally charge Leibfried.
The Duluth Police Department has initiated an internal investigation into Leibfried’s conduct as it relates to department and city policies.
“We take allegations against our officers very seriously and investigate each complaint thoroughly,” said Chief Mike Ceynowa.
No further information will be released at this time as this remains an open and ongoing internal investigation.
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