Judge Permanently Ousts St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery
A St. Louis Circuit Judge has permanently removed Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from his position, concluding a tumultuous year filled with legal controversies and allegations of misconduct. The ruling by Judge Steven R. Ohmer marks a significant event in the ongoing saga surrounding Montgomery’s administration.
Judge’s Decision on Sheriff Montgomery’s Removal
On Tuesday, the court made a decisive ruling to oust Alfred Montgomery from his role as Sheriff of St. Louis. The verdict followed a series of allegations that highlighted Montgomery’s apparent neglect of duties, despite one claim—nepotism—being dismissed during the trial. Judge Ohmer cited that Montgomery had “willfully neglected his official duties,” which justified his removal.
Background of Allegations
The case against Montgomery stemmed from a quo warranto petition filed by former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey in June. The petition outlined six allegations against him, including:
- Illegal arrests
- Financial mismanagement
- Refusal to transport detainees for necessary medical care
While one claim of nepotism was dropped due to lack of evidence, the remaining accusations painted a troubling picture of Montgomery’s oversight. Judge Ohmer’s decision particularly highlighted Montgomery’s unprofessional conduct in two instances involving the acting jail commissioner and a former deputy.
Consequences for Montgomery
In his ruling, Judge Ohmer required Montgomery to pay nearly $7,000 in case-related expenses. “Corruption in public office must not be tolerated,” stated Catherine Hanaway, the current Missouri Attorney General, emphasizing the verdict as a triumph for the people of St. Louis. Montgomery, for his part, expressed uncertainty about the evidence leading to the decision but hinted that an appeal might follow.
Legal Troubles Persist
Despite his removal, Montgomery is not yet free of legal woes. He faces a federal misdemeanor charge related to the incident with the jail commissioner, along with five felony counts of witness tampering and retaliation. The misdemeanors could lead to a one-year prison sentence, while the felony charges carry potential sentences totaling up to 100 years.
Interim Leadership and Appointment Disputes
Following Montgomery’s ousting, former St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden has stepped in as the interim sheriff. However, the question of how to permanently fill the vacancy remains contentious. There is disagreement among officials about who holds the appointment authority. While Attorney General Hanaway believes that Governor Mike Kehoe should appoint a successor, Board of Aldermen President Megan Green argues for a more inclusive selection process involving local elected officials.
Green has expressed concerns about the integrity of the appointment process, advocating for public hearings to gather community input on potential candidates. Past precedents have shown conflicting approaches regarding sheriff vacancies, adding complexity to the situation.
Further Developments
The Board of Aldermen has taken legal action against the city and state regarding the appointment process, emphasizing its role in selecting a new sheriff. The ongoing legal disputes illustrate the intricacies of governance and accountability in St. Louis, especially concerning the sheriff’s office.
The challenges facing Montgomery’s administration reflect broader issues of public trust in elected officials. As St. Louis navigates the aftermath of Montgomery’s removal, the focus will be on restoring integrity and effective leadership within the sheriff’s office.
