PG County Police Officer Convicted Of 2nd Degree Sex Offense

UPPER MARLBORO, MD -- A Prince George's County jury convicted Prince George's Police Department Lt. Richard Tallant Thursday of second degree sex offense following a three-day trial and a full day of deliberation. Tallant, 46, is due to be sentenced on April 30, 2020. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

The assault occurred early in the morning of Feb. 19, 2017, according to a State's Attorney release. Tallant and several other police officers were gathered in the parking lot of the Fraternal Order of Police. Finding that the FOP was closed, the victim entered the nearby woods to relieve herself. Tallant followed her shortly afterwards, tackled her and then pinned her to the ground and sexually assaulted her. Two other officers interrupted the assault.

After learning of the allegations in April 2019, the PGPD Internal Affairs Division began an investigation at once and suspended Tallant's police powers. Following its investigation, PGPD brought the case to the State's Attorney's Office for consideration of criminal charges. The State’s Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit conducted a separate investigation and brought the case to the grand jury, which then indicted Tallant.

Assistant State's Attorney John Grochowski and Public Integrity Unit Chief Renee Joy prosecuted the case.

“It is difficult for survivors of sexual assault to come forward. In this case, a police officer violated the trust of a woman he works with. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “No one deserves to be violated in this way. Lt. Tallant made a bad choice and will now be held accountable for his deplorable actions.”