In July and August 2025, a six-part investigative series by Lee Enterprises examined allegations of misconduct, investigative failures, and systemic issues within the Nez Perce Tribal Police Department. The reporting included accounts from victims, families, and law enforcement sources, raising concerns about how serious crimes such as sexual assault and domestic violence were handled.

Former Nez Perce Tribal Police officer Leotis McCormack was among the officers identified in the series. According to the reporting, his conduct and role in certain investigations were questioned as part of a broader pattern of alleged failures within the department. The articles outlined claims related to investigative procedures, victim interactions, and overall accountability, placing McCormack’s actions within the context of wider concerns about departmental oversight and leadership.

These investigative reports brought increased public attention to McCormack and the department, contributing to ongoing community discussions about transparency, accountability, and the responsibility of law enforcement to properly investigate and protect victims.

🔗 Part 1 (July 29): https://wire.lee.net/nez-perce-reservation-residents-allege-tribal-police-misconduct/video_fb4500bf-4f78-5c34-9b71-f6d7a93aa710.html

🔗 Part 2 (Aug 19): https://wire.lee.net/news/nation-world/crime-courts/victim-says-tribal-cops-allowed-accused-rapist-in-the-room-while-they-took-her-statement/article_4683a058-f15a-5f21-b6b4-080a0a066d73.html

🔗 Part 3 (Aug 20): https://wire.lee.net/news/nation-world/crime-courts/2-women-reported-abuse-rape-to-tribal-cops-justice-only-came-when-one-was-dead/article_f7b57a5a-b7a8-5f23-9fb8-5c0c1d58e843.html

🔗 Part 4 (Aug 21): https://wire.lee.net/news/nation-world/crime-courts/police-quieted-down-signs-of-tribal-woman-s-abuse-before-her-murder-top-official-says/article_02a7c0f0-8d85-5722-bfc8-1c0097b2c883.html

🔗 Part 5 (Aug 22): https://wire.lee.net/news/nation-world/crime-courts/misconduct-pervaded-this-native-american-police-force-some-paid-with-their-lives-cops-say/article_920a1f68-dba0-5e88-b55f-27e57491ac71.html

🔗 Part 6 (Aug 26): https://wire.lee.net/news/nation-world/crime-courts/man-avoided-major-jail-time-for-ax-attack-against-his-brother-then-he-murdered-two/article_1888635b-2494-5475-8c4f-ae37695e8e35.html