Shane Lamond, the former head of the Metropolitan Police intelligence unit in Washington who was indicted last year for providing information to a Proud Boys leader, was declared guilty on Monday. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio is currently serving a 22-year sentence following his conviction on charges of seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. U.S. Judge Amy Berman Jackson handed down the verdict on Monday, finding Lamond guilty on four counts, including obstruction of justice and three counts of lying to investigators, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The verdict came after a bench trial that featured contentious testimony from Tarrio, who claimed that he had been dishonest with his fellow Proud Boys about receiving information from a source within the Metropolitan Police Department.
Prosecutors maintained during the trial that Lamond had effectively acted as a “double agent” for the Proud Boys, alleging that he had tipped off Tarrio about an arrest warrant related to the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner during Tarrio’s previous visit to Washington with the Proud Boys. Tarrio, while testifying, expressed his desire to travel to Washington two days before January 6 to address the situation and utilize his arrest as a marketing tool.
Matthew Graves, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, asserted that federal prosecutors had demonstrated in court that Lamond had “perverted his role” by divulging confidential information to a source, misleading officials about his actions, and impeding an investigation into the source. Graves emphasized that Lamond had a crucial responsibility in ensuring community safety, and his breach of trust posed a considerable risk to the community.
David Sundberg, the FBI assistant director in charge of the Washington Field Office, emphasized that Lamond had violated his oath to uphold the law. Sundberg stated, “Instead, he violated the law by disclosing confidential information to a source, obstructing an investigation into the source, and providing false information to federal investigators.” He further added that Lamond’s conviction underscored the FBI’s commitment to holding public officials accountable for abusing their authority.
Former President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to pardon individuals implicated in the January 6 events upon assuming office in less than a month. The status of Tarrio, among the over 1,500 individuals charged and 1,100 individuals convicted in relation to the events, remains uncertain. However, sources within the January 6 and law enforcement communities have suggested that Trump lacks detailed knowledge of the cases.
Lamond’s defense contended that his interactions with Tarrio were part of his professional responsibilities. Yet, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Lamond’s favorable disposition towards the Proud Boys, even following the events of January 6. In a communication cited by prosecutors, Lamond expressed personal support for the group and a reluctance to see their reputation tarnished.
