A man from Fairview Heights, Illinois has been indicted for committing a sexual assault in Gateway Arch National Park. Monte Derrell Boatman, 35, was charged with one count of sexual abuse for the forcible assault that took place on park grounds on Dec. 6, 2023, where he allegedly placed the victim in fear of death, serious bodily injury, or kidnapping.
Boatman is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings. The indictment states that the sexual abuse charge carries a punishment of up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both prison time and a fine.
As is the legal standard, it is important to note that charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not indicate proof of guilt. Every defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the National Park Service and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson has been assigned to prosecute the case.
