DC Cop Indicted For Leaking Info To Proud Boys Leader: DOJ

WASHINGTON, DC — A Washington, D.C. police lieutenant was indicted Friday after authorities said he obstructed an investigation into the destruction of a Black Lives Matter banner and tipped off former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio about his arrest warrant in connection with the incident.

Shane Lamond, 47, of Stafford, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements, the Department of Justice said in a news release.

Lamond's name repeatedly came up during the trial in which Tarrio was found guilty of seditious conspiracy for his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Text messages introduced at the trial showed a close rapport between the two men, with Lamond frequently greeting the far-right extremist group leader with the words "hey brother."

According to federal authorities, Lamond worked as a supervisor in the Metropolitan Police Department's Homeland Security Bureau, which monitored protests and other demonstrations in the District.

Beginning in July 2019 and continuing through at least January 2021, prosecutors say Lamond and Tarrio communicated at least 500 times across several platforms. The two discussed planned Proud Boys activities in the District, authorities said, and Lamond also provided information to Tarrio regarding law enforcement activity related to the events.

According to the indictment, Lamond also gave Tarrio confidential information about an investigation in which authorities had accused Tarrio of burning a Black Lives Matter banner.

Two days before the attack on the U.S. Capitol, authorities said Lamond informed Tarrio about a warrant for his arrest concerning the banner's destruction. Tarrio, who was traveling from Florida to Arlington, was arrested when he arrived in Washington, D.C., and later pleaded guilty to one count of destruction of property in connection with the burning of the banner.

According to the indictment, Lamond is also accused of making false and misleading statements during an interview with authorities regarding his communications and relationship with Tarrio. The indictment also says Tarrio provided Lamond with information about the Jan. 6 attack.

Lamond is scheduled to be arraigned Friday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

The Metropolitan Police Department said Friday that it would do an internal review after resolving the federal case against Lamond.

"We understand this matter sparks a range of emotions, and believe the allegations of this member's actions are not consistent of our values and our commitment to the community," the department said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.