Law Enforcement
Oct 1, 2026

FBI charges 18 people with crimes on the Wind River Indian Reservation

Tribal police worked with state and federal agencies


Shaun Griswold

Shaun Griswold

October 1, 2026

On Tuesday the FBI announced charges against 18 people for a variety of crimes on the Wind River Indian Reservation, including murder, sexual abuse, illegal drug distribution and violence against children.

The arrests are part of Operation Steadfast Promise, a multi-police agency taskforce the FBI started earlier in the year to target gang activity and violent crimes within Indian Country. 

The Wind River Police Department worked with federal and state forensics experts and received training from the FBI’s Cellular Analysis Survey Team, which tracks cell phone data and locations.

Tribal police also analyzed more than 30 firearms with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Spotted an error? Suggest a correction.

We provide independent Native-focused reporting that gives our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.