Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway has filed a motion for partial summary judgment in the case seeking to remove St. Louis City Sheriff Alfred Montgomery from office. The motion, filed after months of discovery and review of evidence, requests that the court issue a ruling on three counts of misconduct alleged against Montgomery.

“Public office is a public trust, not a personal privilege,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “When an elected official abuses authority, neglects legal duties, and exploits taxpayer resources for personal gain, the rule of law requires accountability. The undisputed facts prove Sheriff Montgomery has forfeited the right to hold public office, and this motion seeks to ensure justice is finally done for the people of St. Louis.”

The Attorney General’s Office initially called for Montgomery’s resignation in June 2025 after reports surfaced alleging corruption, financial mismanagement, and instability within his department. When Montgomery did not resign, the Office filed a writ of quo warranto detailing six counts of alleged misconduct, including unlawful arrests, failure to transport inmates for medical care, misuse of resources for personal benefit, and reckless spending.

Following these developments, the court ordered Montgomery to respond to the charges. After further investigation and collection of testimony and documents, Hanaway’s office contends that three specific allegations are now supported by uncontested facts:

- Count II: Evidence indicates that Montgomery directed deputies to handcuff and detain Deputy Commissioner Ross without proper authority.

- Count IV: He allegedly failed more than sixty times in his first seven months as sheriff to arrange required medical transports for detainees.

- Count V: It is claimed he used on-duty deputies and state vehicles for transporting his children.

“The people of St. Louis deserve leadership that upholds the law, not one that places personal interest above public duty,” Hanaway stated. “Our Office will continue to fight corruption at every level of government and ensure that the rule of law prevails in every corner of Missouri.”

Under Missouri statutes regarding quo warranto actions brought by the Attorney General, officials may be removed if found guilty of willful neglect or abuse while in office.

The full text of the motion for summary judgment as well as supporting documents are available online.