(CNN) A Washington, DC Metro police officer was arrested Friday on federal charges of misleading investigators about his communications with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio — including when the officer allegedly tipped off Tarrio about his impending arrest.
Metropolitan Police Department Lt. Shane Lamond is facing an indictment charging him with one count of obstruction and three counts of making false statements. Lamond was reportedly in regular contact with Tarrio, at least as of July 2019.
Federal prosecutors also say Lamond shared sensitive law enforcement information with the Proud Boys leader regarding the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot investigation as well as the investigation into Tarrio’s burning of a Black Lives Matter flag during a protest in Washington, DC in December . 2020.
Lamond’s lawyer said his client was required to communicate with extremist groups for his job, but that he does not support their views.
“The jury will see the fallacy of these unfairly charged claims when the evidence is presented,” attorney Mark Schamel said in a statement.
Much of Lamond’s alleged communications with Tarrio were previously aired in February testimony during the trial of Tarrio and other Pride boys for roles in the Jan. 6 attack. Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy earlier this month.
Lamond was placed on administrative leave by MPD in February 2022, and on Friday, a department spokesman confirmed that he was placed on leave as the police department cooperated with federal investigators on the investigation.
Spokesman Paris Lewbel said the department will complete an internal investigation into the incident once the criminal case surrounding Lamond is complete.
“We understand that this case stirs up a range of emotions and believe that the allegations of member actions are inconsistent with our values and our commitment to the community,” Lewbel said in the statement, adding that the department’s “intentions are to remain transparent while gives the member involved due process.”
This story has been updated with additional details.
CNN’s Casey Gannon contributed to this report.
