A White Mountain Apache Tribal Police officer faces serious federal charges after being accused of sexually abusing three victims while on duty, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Arizona.
Karl Eugene Leslie, 42, of Whiteriver, Arizona, was arrested Wednesday in Canyon Day on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation following his indictment on 15 federal counts. The charges, returned in an indictment dated Dec. 23, 2025, include aggravated sexual abuse, kidnapping, sexual abuse through fear, sexual abuse through coercion, and deprivation of rights under color of law.
The indictment alleges that Leslie committed these crimes while serving as a law enforcement officer with the White Mountain Apache Tribal Police. Among the most serious charges is one count of kidnapping involving a victim under 18 years old, indicating that at least one of the alleged victims was a minor at the time of the incident.
Federal jurisdiction in this case stems from the fact that the alleged crimes occurred on tribal land and involved a law enforcement officer acting under color of law. The Fort Apache Indian Reservation, where Leslie served and where his arrest took place, is located in east-central Arizona and is home to the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
The charge of deprivation of rights under color of law is particularly significant in cases involving law enforcement officers. This federal civil rights violation, prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. § 242, specifically addresses situations where someone acting in an official capacity willfully deprives individuals of their constitutional rights. The statute carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty in cases where death results from the violation.
Aggravated sexual abuse charges under federal law typically involve the use of force, threats of force, or situations where the victim is unable to consent. The inclusion of charges for sexual abuse through both fear and coercion suggests a pattern of alleged behavior that involved different methods of compelling victims.
The kidnapping charges are particularly serious under federal law. When a kidnapping involves a victim under 18 years old, as alleged in one count against Leslie, it can carry enhanced penalties including potential life imprisonment. Federal kidnapping statutes apply when the crime crosses state lines or occurs on federal property, including tribal lands.
Law enforcement agencies are continuing their investigation into Leslie's alleged conduct. The FBI is actively seeking additional victims who may have encountered Leslie during his time as a tribal police officer. This request suggests investigators believe there may be more incidents beyond those detailed in the current indictment.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about accountability in tribal law enforcement, where federal oversight plays a crucial role in ensuring civil rights protections. Tribal police departments often work closely with federal agencies, particularly the FBI, on major crimes occurring within reservation boundaries.
Leslie's arrest and indictment represent a serious breach of public trust, as the charges allege he used his position of authority as a law enforcement officer to commit crimes against community members. Police officers take an oath to protect and serve their communities, making allegations of criminal conduct while on duty particularly troubling.
The White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Department has not issued a public statement regarding Leslie's arrest or his employment status. Typically, law enforcement agencies place officers on administrative leave or terminate employment when facing serious criminal charges, though specific policies vary by department.
Federal prosecutors in Arizona will handle the case, given the serious nature of the charges and the federal jurisdiction involved. The U.S. Attorney's Office has not announced which prosecutor will lead the case or provided a timeline for legal proceedings.
If convicted on all counts, Leslie could face decades in federal prison. Aggravated sexual abuse alone carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment, while kidnapping charges also carry severe penalties. The deprivation of rights under color of law charge adds additional potential prison time and reflects the federal government's commitment to prosecuting civil rights violations by law enforcement officers.
The case underscores the importance of federal oversight in protecting civil rights on tribal lands, where complex jurisdictional issues often require coordination between tribal, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Federal prosecutors regularly handle serious crimes on reservations to ensure consistent application of justice and protection of constitutional rights.
Anyone with information about potential additional victims or relevant details about Leslie's conduct is encouraged to contact the FBI. The investigation remains active, and federal authorities are committed to identifying all potential victims and ensuring accountability for alleged crimes committed under color of law.