Judge Amy Berman Jackson Sends Decorated DC Officer to Prison for Communicating with Proud Boys Leader Tarrio, Sparks Outrage and Pardon Push
Former DC Metropolitan Police Lieutenant Shane Lamond has been sentenced to 18 months in prison by Judge Amy Berman Jackson, an Obama appointee notorious for her hardline rulings against January 6 defendants and Trump allies. Lamond’s “crime”? Communicating with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio in what he described as an effort to prevent political violence in the nation’s capital.
Lamond, a 23-year veteran of the force and former head of the Intelligence Branch, was convicted in December 2024 on one count of obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements following a seven-day trial. The conviction centers on Lamond allegedly informing Tarrio of a pending arrest warrant related to the destruction of a Black Lives Matter banner—information Lamond maintains was part of his lawful duties as an intelligence officer.
Judge Jackson Strikes Again
The sentencing is the latest in a string of controversial rulings by Judge Berman Jackson, who has openly criticized President Trump, suggested he embodies authoritarianism, and previously sentenced non-violent January 6 protesters to decades in prison. She also presided over the prosecutions of Roger Stone and Paul Manafort, cases critics claim were heavily politicized.
During sentencing, Lamond stated:
“Frankly, I’m broken at this point.”
He acknowledged that some of his communication methods were “sloppy,” but insisted his intent was to prevent violence, not encourage it. His lawyer, Mark Schamel, argued that Lamond was doing his job by maintaining open lines of communication with potentially volatile groups during periods of political unrest.
Even Tarrio, who testified during Lamond’s trial, stated under oath that the officer never gave him confidential information. Tarrio was in the courtroom Friday, alongside Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes, to show support.
Biden DOJ Wanted Four Years
Prosecutors pushed for a four-year sentence, claiming Lamond had obstructed law enforcement operations. But Judge Jackson ultimately imposed a shorter term, though she rejected the defense’s call for probation, declaring that Lamond’s actions were “not consistent with police practices unless you twist them until they’re unrecognizable.”
A Family’s Plea for Justice
Lamond’s family is now pleading for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump. His sister, Nicole Lamond, launched a petition describing the prosecution as politically motivated and denouncing the court as biased:
“The real crime here is the flawed judicial system that failed to protect an innocent man. Shane’s conviction is spearheaded by Judge Amy Berman Jackson, a figure notorious for her prejudiced judgments… His decades of service, leadership, and loyalty to the Constitution deserve recognition—not punishment.”
Lamond’s ex-wife, Brooke Lamond, despite their separation, defended his character and record:
“He lived his life for that department and sacrificed so much. It’s disheartening to see the system he proudly served for 23 years, wrongfully persecute him for doing his job and protecting the people of DC.”
A Chilling Message to Law Enforcement
The case has sparked concern among law enforcement officers across the country, with many warning that Lamond’s conviction could have a chilling effect on intelligence work. Officers tasked with building rapport and monitoring potentially violent groups could now fear criminal prosecution for doing their jobs.
Lamond’s supporters argue that his trial and sentencing reflect a broader politicization of the justice system under the Biden administration—a system that increasingly punishes dissenting voices while ignoring context, service, and intent.
As President Trump continues to grant pardons to those he believes were unjustly prosecuted for political reasons, Lamond’s case is now under national spotlight—and the outcome could shape how law enforcement navigates political extremism in the future.
