Former Police Officer Convicted of Lying About Leaks to Proud Boys Leader

What's New

A former Washington, D.C., police officer was convicted Monday of lying about leaking sensitive information to the leader of Proud Boys, a far-right extremist group.

Why It Matters

Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Shane Lamond was arrested in May 2023 and was charged with one count of obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements.

The case against Lamond stems from allegedly leaked sensitive information to Enrique Tarrio, the Proud Boys' national leader, after members of the group burned a Black Lives Matter banner on December 12, 2020, according to federal prosecutors.

What To Know

Lamond, 48, was found guilty of obstruction of justice and making false statements on Monday following a non-jury trial before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson.

Lamond's connection with Tarrio began in 2019 when he supervised the intelligence branch of the department's Homeland Security Bureau. His role included monitoring groups like the Proud Boys.

During the trial, Lamond, who pleaded not guilty, argued he had treated Tarrio as a source, not a friend.

However, text exchanges between the two reveal a relationship that prosecutors claim went beyond professional boundaries, including messages that suggest Lamond provided Tarrio with "real-time updates" on the police investigation on the burning of the banner.

Tarrio was later sentenced to more than five months in jail for burning the banner stolen from a historic Black church in downtown Washington and for bringing two high-capacity firearm magazines into the district.

Former Washington Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond departs federal court after pleading not guilty to obstruction of justice and other charges on May 19, 2023, in Washington. Lamond was convicted Monday of lying about... Patrick Semansky/AP

What People Are Saying

Prosecutor Joshua Rothstein said during opening statements for Lamond's trial: "He knew the difference between right and wrong, and he knew it was a crime to lie to law enforcement. This play-by-play information allowed the Proud Boys to be one step ahead of law enforcement."

The defense has dismissed these claims as inflammatory, arguing that the prosecution is presenting a skewed version of events.

Lamond's attorney, Ana Jara, previously stated: "Context matters, especially in conversations." She also accused prosecutors of "cherry-picking" evidence to paint a misleading picture.

Meanwhile, Lamond testified: "I don't support the Proud Boys, and I'm not a Proud Boys sympathizer."

The January 6 Connection

Tarrio was arrested in the banner-burning case in Washington, D.C., just days before the January 6, 2021, riot on the U.S. Capitol when Proud Boys members joined a mob's attack on the Capitol.

Though Tarrio wasn't at the Capitol during the riot, he has since been sentenced to 22 years in prison after a jury convicted him and other Proud Boys leaders of seditious conspiracy charges stemming from the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.

According to Lamond's indictment, Tarrio and Lamond exchanged messages about the January 6 riot and discussed whether Proud Boys members were in danger of being charged in the attack.

"Of course I can't say it officially, but personally I support you all and don't want to see your group's name and reputation dragged through the mud," Lamond wrote.

Lamond, of Stafford, Virginia, was placed on administrative leave in February 2022.

What Happens Next

Lamond, who retired in May 2023 after 23 years on the force, now faces sentencing on April 3 for his conviction on all four counts.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.