Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced on Thursday that her office will add an additional count to the ongoing legal case seeking the removal of Alfred Montgomery from his position as St. Louis sheriff. The new allegation centers on Montgomery’s inability to perform his official duties while he remains incarcerated outside the city.
“The fact remains; it is impossible for Montgomery to fulfill his duties while he is incarcerated miles outside of the city he is supposed to protect,” said Attorney General Hanaway. “He has failed citizens, detainees, and his own staff for far too long. We are adding a new count to our case asking the Court to permanently remove him from the office he has so blatantly forfeited. St. Louis has a bright future ahead and it isn’t with Montgomery as sheriff.”
The case against Montgomery began after reports surfaced in June 2025 alleging corruption, financial mismanagement, and instability within his office. Following these reports, Hanaway’s office demanded Montgomery’s resignation. When he declined, the attorney general filed a 90-page petition for a writ of quo warranto detailing six counts of alleged misconduct. These include accusations such as unlawful arrests, failure to ensure medical care for detainees, misuse of public resources for personal purposes, and poor management of public funds.
Montgomery was temporarily removed from office by court order pending final resolution of the case.
The total allegations now include:
- Failure to personally devote time to official duties while in jail.
- Ordering deputies to unlawfully detain a deputy commissioner.
- Illegally arresting a licensed security guard and seizing their firearm without proper authority.
- Refusing required inmate transports for medical care more than sixty times during his first seven months in office.
- Using taxpayer-funded resources for personal benefit by transporting his children with on-duty deputies and vehicles.
- Mismanaging finances resulting in deficits for the Sheriff’s Office.
Under Missouri law, the attorney general can file petitions for removal if an official has unlawfully held or forfeited their position due to neglect or misconduct.
Today’s action signals continued efforts by Hanaway’s office to address government corruption within Missouri.
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