A former officer with the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department has been arrested and charged with a series of serious crimes, including sexual abuse and kidnapping, following an investigation led by federal authorities.
According to ABC15 Arizona, Karl Eugene Leslie faces a 15-count federal indictment that includes charges of aggravated sexual abuse, kidnapping (with one count involving a minor), sexual abuse through fear and coercion, and deprivation of rights under color of law.
Court records indicate that the alleged crimes took place between December 2020 and September 2023, while Leslie was employed as an on-duty police officer on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. Federal prosecutors say Leslie sexually assaulted three victims, all members of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, during that time.
The indictment alleges that Leslie raped and kidnapped two victims, one of whom was under 18, and that he coerced a third victim into sexual acts through threats and intimidation.
The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office confirmed that Leslie served as a tribal officer from April 2007 until June 2024. He made his initial court appearance Wednesday in Flagstaff.
Investigators believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or through their seeking victim information page.
The case remains under investigation, and federal authorities say they are working closely with tribal officials to ensure justice for the victims.
