A 42-year-old United States Capitol Police (USCP) officer, Jared M. Lemon, was charged this morning with five counts of child pornography possession, according to a press release from the Maryland State Police (MSP).
Lemon was arrested just before 5:00 a.m. outside his Maryland residence by the MSP. This operation forms part of an investigation that began in December of 2022, during which the USCP became aware of the allegations leveled against Lemon.
In response to the pending investigation, the USCP promptly stripped Lemon of his police powers. He was reassigned to administrative duties, thus removing him from any direct interactions with the public. Lemon now faces suspension, pending the result of the criminal case.
Lemon’s tenure with the USCP began in 2005, and he was a member of the Uniformed Services Bureau. His arrest marks a significant setback for the USCP, which has been tasked with protecting the legislative branch of the United States federal government.
Following the conclusion of the criminal case, the USCP’s Office of Professional Responsibility will commence an administrative investigation. This move is part of the department’s standard protocol in incidents involving allegations of serious misconduct against its officers.
The MSP will continue to lead the criminal investigation against Lemon. Further details about the case remain under wraps due to the ongoing nature of the investigation. Authorities urged anyone with information related to the case to contact the Maryland State Police.