LAPWAI - Officials in Lapwai respond Thursday to rumors of a Tuesday night homicide.

Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee Chairman Sam Penney released a statement calling the rumors "false and inaccurate."

In his statement, Penney said a thorough and professional law enforcement investigation is currently being conducted to determine if the alleged crime...that spawned such rumors will lead to charges being filed."

Nez Perce Tribal Police Chief Leslie Hendrick said they are investigating an alleged rape of a child, but would not comment further.

She did say that Tribal Police are on the lookout for a man who police said left a halfway house and never returned.

Officials say 29-year-old Wapato, Washington resident Roger E. Benson left the Franklin County Residential Re-entry Center on March 22, allegedly saying he was following employment leads, and would be back that afternoon. He did not return.

Police said Benson had been in jail on serious charges and that they have reason to believe he's been seen staying in Lapwai.

"Our concern is his prior convictions for violent child rape and delivery of controlled substances," said Hendrick.

Prior to going to the Franklin County Center., Benson was in the Federal Penitentiary in Victorville, California. He was scheduled to be released on May 12.

"We would ask that if the public does see him that they call 911 and reports his location," said Hendrick. "I think it's the best for public safety to not have him out wandering in our communities."

Benson is described as American Indian or Alaskan Native, five-foot-nine, and 200 pounds with brown eyes. Police say he had his head shaved bald and 509 tattooed on the back of his head, which Kendrick said suggests some kind of gang involvement.

If you've see him or have any information, you're asked to call Tribal Police at 208-843-7141.