PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — A Prince George's County police officer was found guilty of a sexual assault against a woman he worked with Thursday.
Lieutenant Richard Tallant, 46, was convicted of second-degree sex offense, after a three-day jury trial; the jury deliberated for a day. Tallant will face up to 20 years in jail. His sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2020.
According to authorities, on Feb. 10, 2017, Tallant and several other officers were hanging out early in the morning in the parking lot of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The victim needed to use a restroom, but the FOP was closed so she went to the woods. Police said Tallant followed her, tackled her to the ground, pinned her down and sexually assaulted her. The assault was interrupted by two other officers.
Allegations were brought forward in April 2019, and Tallant was suspended without pay while the PGPD Internal Affairs Division investigated. Internal Affairs brought the case to the State's Attorney's Office following their internal investigation. Tallant was indicted by a grand jury.
"In this case, a police officer violated the trust of a woman he works with," State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said. "This kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated."
Public Integrity Unit Chief Renee Joy and Assistant State's Attorney John Grochowski prosecuted the case.
Tallant joined the PGPD in 1997 and is assigned to the Narcotics Enforcement Division.
