A retired police officer was convicted Monday of lying to authorities about leaking confidential information to Enrique Tarrio, the leader of the Proud Boys extremist group. Former Metropolitan Police Department Lieutenant Shane Lamond was found guilty of obstructing justice and making false statements after a bench trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson.
Lamond's sentencing is scheduled for April 3, following his conviction on all four counts. The charges stemmed from allegations he provided sensitive police information to Tarrio, who was under investigation for the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner. During his testimony, Lamond claimed he never leaked any sensitive information, but the judge found his testimony, as well as Tarrio’s, lacking credibility.
Judge Jackson indicated through the trial's evidence, including months of exchanged messages between Lamond and Tarrio, demonstrated more than just casual communication. “Lamond and Tarrio talk, and Tarrio immediately disseminates what he learns,” Jackson stated. She described Tarrio as an "awful witness" who was "flippant, grandiose and obnoxious" during his testimony.
Following the verdict, Lamond's defense attorney, Mark Schamel, expressed disappointment with the ruling, stating it is premature to conclude if they will pursue an appeal. "It’s unbelievably disappointing to see every single thing... viewed through a lens to make it appear to be something other than it was," Schamel remarked outside the courtroom.
Tarrio had previously pleaded guilty for his involvement with the burning of the banner taken from a historic Black church and was later sentenced to 22 years for his role related to the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol, where he was part of what the prosecutors described as a plot to force then-President Donald Trump to remain in power.
The relationship between Lamond and Tarrio reportedly began back in 2019 when Lamond was overseeing the police department's Homeland Security Bureau, which monitored groups like the Proud Boys during their visits to Washington. The situation escalated with Tarrio's arrest just two days before the January 6th siege. Prosecutors claimed evidence at the trial proved Lamond had tipped off Tarrio about signed warrants for his arrest.
“Similarly, the defendant affirmatively advised Mr. Tarrio in a written message...with obvious ramifications for it,” prosecutors illustrated during the trial. Messages from Lamond suggested he provided Tarrio with updates on the police investigation pertaining to the December 2020 banner burning.
Lamond retired from the police force after 23 years of service, from his position as the head of the intelligence branch. He described his actions as attempts to build rapport with Tarrio as part of his strategy to gain the trust needed to gather information. “I don’t support the Proud Boys, and I’m not a Proud Boys sympathizer,” he stated during the trial, defending his intentions.
During cross-examinations, it was revealed Lamond’s messages included support for Tarrio’s group, which he later claimed demonstrated his very human desire to not see the group's reputation damaged. "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 noted, highlighting the complexity of his interactions.
The intricacies of this case raise important questions about police conduct, relationships with extremist groups, and the balancing act of maintaining public safety versus personal networks. Lamond’s conviction adds another layer to the scrutiny facing law enforcement agencies amid growing concerns about radicalization and extremism within society.
With Lamond's upcoming sentencing, the repercussions of his actions continue to echo through law enforcement communities and beyond, prompting discussions on integrity, loyalty, and the responsibilities of those sworn to serve and protect.
