A former Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police officer has been convicted of leaking sensitive law enforcement information to Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio before the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Raw Story reported that federal Judge Amy Berman Jackson concluded that Shane Lamond, a former lieutenant, undermined the integrity of his department by engaging in unauthorized communication with Tarrio.
Lamond was found guilty after it was revealed he colluded with Tarrio ahead of the Capitol riot, providing him with confidential information that helped the far-right extremist group.
Lamond’s trial ended with a bench decision, where Judge Jackson reviewed evidence, including hundreds of messages exchanged between Lamond and Tarrio.
Lamond’s conviction represents a significant development in the investigation into law enforcement’s involvement with extremist groups.
He had been with the Washington, D.C. police force for over 20 years before he was accused of tipping off Tarrio about a warrant for his arrest. The arrest was related to an incident where Tarrio had burned a Black Lives Matter banner during a previous trip to Washington, D.C.
Federal prosecutors argued that Lamond had effectively become a “double agent” for the Proud Boys. They presented evidence showing that Lamond communicated with Tarrio in an unauthorized manner that bypassed standard channels for sharing police information. Judge Jackson described these communications as “entirely contradictory” to the interests of law enforcement.
Enrique Tarrio’s testimony was a central piece of the case. He admitted that he had lied to his Proud Boys members about having inside information from a Washington, D.C. police officer.
However, Tarrio denied any conspiracy with Lamond, instead suggesting that he had hoped to be arrested in order to use his arrest as a publicity stunt. He described his desire to travel to Washington as a way to “get this over with” and set up a “circus tent,” adding that his arrest would serve as a “marketing ploy.”
The investigation into Lamond began in 2022 when he was suspended from the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Police Chief Robert Contee confirmed that Lamond was placed on administrative leave while federal investigators, including the FBI and the Department of Justice, examined his actions
While Lamond tried to justify his actions by claiming he was cultivating Tarrio as a confidential police source, Judge Jackson rejected this defense.
She stated that the text messages between the two men clearly showed that Lamond and Tarrio shared goals, and thus his explanation could not be accepted. Jackson called Lamond’s defense “rhetorical icing on the government’s case.”
Tarrio’s testimony played a crucial role in the trial. Although he denied conspiring with Lamond, he claimed that he had never intended to be arrested but saw it as a way to generate publicity.
Tarrio explained that he wanted to be in Washington to “get this over with” and to set up a “circus tent” for the media. This testimony was a key part of Lamond’s defense argument, though the court found it insufficient to absolve Lamond of wrongdoing.
Lamond’s defense also involved his claim that he was merely attempting to gather intelligence on the Proud Boys, presenting Tarrio as a potential source for law enforcement. Judge Jackson dismissed this explanation, noting that the evidence showed Lamond’s actions were not consistent with legitimate police work.
Judge Jackson’s conviction of Lamond marks a pivotal moment in the broader investigation of law enforcement’s ties to extremist organizations. This case highlights the dangers posed by compromised officers who may sympathize with or assist far-right groups. Lamond’s conviction raises important questions about the potential for law enforcement officers to become compromised by personal or ideological affiliations.
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of strict oversight within police departments, especially when it comes to officers interacting with extremist groups. The consequences for Lamond could be far-reaching, as this case may set a precedent for future investigations into similar misconduct across the country.
Legal experts have pointed out the broader implications of Lamond’s conviction. It underscores the critical need for police agencies to implement better monitoring of their officers’ conduct, particularly regarding interactions with extremist groups.
The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department has not provided extensive comments on how Lamond’s conviction will affect the department’s reputation or operations moving forward.
Although Lamond tried to downplay the significance of his communications with Tarrio, Judge Jackson’s ruling reinforces the importance of maintaining the integrity of law enforcement agencies. The case serves as a cautionary tale for other police officers who may be tempted to cross ethical lines in their interactions with such groups.
Lamond now faces sentencing, which will take place in the coming months. His conviction is a major development in the ongoing legal consequences of the January 6 insurrection.
