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Officer Justin Lee, 25, has been suspended by the Montgomery County Department of Police after he was indicted in connection to the riots at the Capitol, less than three months after he was placed on administrative leave for his role in a shooting involving a stabbing suspect.
According to police, in July, the department was advised that Lee was the subject of an FBI investigation, though he was already on leave for the shooting death of 19-year-old Gaithersburg resident Franklin Castro Ordonez.
The shooting remains under investigation. Lee has been on leave since July 22.
Federal prosecutors announced on Thursday that the Rockville resident has been charged in a seven-count indictment for felony civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers offenses.
In addition to the felonies, Lee was also hit with several misdemeanors, including:
- Entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds;
- Disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds;
- Engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds;
- Disorderly conduct in a Capitol building;
- Act of physical violence in the capitol grounds or buildings.
Investigators say that it was determined Lee was an active participate in the Jan. 6 incident in DC, before he had been hired by the department. His application was submitted in July 2021, six months after the insurrection, and he was hired on Jan. 31, 2022.
"The Montgomery County Police Department conducts a thorough background investigation as part of its standard hiring process to ensure the suitability of candidates for employment," a spokesperson for the agency said.
"Lee's involvement in the January 6 insurrection was not discovered during this process, as he was not identified by the Justice Department in connection with the event."
According to the indictment, on the day of the riots, Lee assaulted law enforcement officers and obstructed them while covering his face with a bandana adorned with the Maryland state flag. He is also accused of entering and remaining on Capitol grounds while the Vice President was and would be temporarily visiting.
Following the unsealing of the indictment, Lee is now suspended without pay and the department is taking measures to terminate his employment.
"(The department) takes these matters seriously and is dedicated to taking decisive action when necessary," the spokesperson said.
"As a result, we are initiating a comprehensive review of our background investigation process to determine whether adjustments need to be made."
This is a developing story. Check Daily Voice for updates.
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