SAINT LOUIS, MO – In a dramatic turn of events at the federal courthouse, Saint Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery was taken into custody by federal marshals. The unexpected arrest occurred during a bond revocation hearing, leaving his legal team stunned.
Last week, federal prosecutors unveiled new charges against Montgomery, accusing him of witness tampering in a federal misdemeanor case. The prosecution’s evidence, bolstered by testimony from a pretrial services officer, portrayed Montgomery as combative and evasive. Allegations included inconsistencies in his statements about firearms possession and a positive marijuana test.
A pivotal moment came when prosecutors revealed Montgomery had allegedly obtained a burner phone. Despite the judge’s explicit instructions prohibiting contact with witnesses, Montgomery reportedly used the phone to make threatening remarks about taking adverse employment actions against perceived adversaries.
The pretrial services officer testified that Montgomery expressed violent intentions during a recorded phone call, further complicating his legal standing. The judge considered alternatives to incarceration, such as a committee to oversee employment decisions at the sheriff’s office. However, concerns about the committee’s independence led to the decision to proceed with detention.
Montgomery’s legal team acknowledged that his incarceration would severely hinder his ability to serve as sheriff. This admission may prompt the state attorney general to seek Montgomery’s removal from office, marking the fifth such attempt.
As the trial progresses, Montgomery remains presumed innocent until proven guilty. His lawyers are expected to provide further comments outside the courthouse.