A Washington DC police officer who was given an award for his work during the Capitol riot has been arrested on suspicion of leaking information to the far-right Proud Boys.

Prosecutors say Shane Lamond, 47, had been in touch with Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio since July 2019.

Mr Lamond was charged with obstruction of justice and three counts of making false statements to investigators.

The accused, of Stafford, Virginia, pleaded not guilty in court on Friday.

The obstruction charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, while false statements can be punished by a sentence of up to five years each.

Mark Schamel, a lawyer for Mr Lamond, said the officer's role required him to contact extremist groups, "yet he does not, nor has he ever, supported their views".

 

"The jury will see the fallacy of these unfairly levied allegations when the evidence is presented," Mr Schamel said in a statement.

Prison’s a tough place for a cop.

35 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Prison’s a tough place for a cop.

Tell me more oh wise one.

Glad they were able to charge this insurrectionist hope they throw the book at him of all people he should know better