UPDATE: UPPER MARLOBORO, Md. – On December 16, 2020, a Prince George’s County judge sentenced 46-year-old Richard Tallant, a retired county police officer, to a total sentence of 10, suspending all but seven years, in prison for sexually assaulting a female police officer.

“I am pleased that we were able to secure justice for this brave survivor of sexual assault.  I hope that the courage she has demonstrated throughout this entire process inspires other women and men who find themselves in similar situations to come forward,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy.  “My office is committed to seeking justice for all victims and survivors and will hold all abusers accountable, without regard to their profession. Victims of sexual assault, especially when a co-worker or supervisor is involved often choose to stay silent.  The victim may feel that they won’t be believed or will be ostracized.  I want all victims to know that my office will listen, we will make appropriate charging decisions and we will zealously pursue justice on their behalf because we are not afraid to stand up and fight for you.”

Upon release, Tallant will be on four years of supervised probation and a mandatory psycho sexual evaluation.  He is also sentenced to a lifetime of supervision on the sex offender registry.

In the early morning hours of February 10, 2017, Tallant attacked the victim outside of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 89 in Upper Marlboro. Tallant tackled the victim to the ground, used his body to pin her down and sexually assaulted her. The assault was interrupted by two other officers.

The Prince George’s Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division (IAD) immediately launched an investigation and suspended Tallant’s police powers after learning of the allegations in April of 2019. IAD brought the matter to the State’s Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges at the conclusion of their internal investigation.

After a separate investigation by the State’s Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, the case was presented to a grand jury, where Tallant was indicted. Public Integrity Unit Chief Renee Joy and Assistant State’s Attorney John Grochowski successfully prosecuted this case in December of 2019.

UPPER MARLOBORO, Md. – On December 19, 2019, after a three-day trial and a full day of deliberation, a Prince George’s County jury found Prince George’s Police Department (PGPD) Lieutenant Richard Tallant guilty of second degree sex offense. Tallant, 46, is facing up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30, 2020.

Public Integrity Unit Chief Renee Joy and Assistant State’s Attorney John Grochowski successfully prosecuted this case.

In the early morning hours of February 10, 2017, several officers were socializing in the parking lot of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). Since the FOP was closed, the victim went into the woods to relieve herself. A short time later, Tallant went after her, tackled her to the ground, used his body to pin her down and sexually assaulted her. The assault was interrupted by two other officers.

The PGPD Internal Affairs Division immediately launched an investigation and suspended Tallant’s police powers after learning of the allegations in April of 2019. PGPD brought the case to the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office for consideration of criminal charges following their internal investigation.

After a separate investigation by the State’s Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, the case was presented to the grand jury, where Tallant was indicted.

“It is difficult for survivors of sexual assault to come forward. In this case, a police officer violated the trust of a woman he works with. This kind of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy. “No one deserves to be violated in this way. Lt. Tallant made a bad choice and will now be held accountable for his deplorable actions.”