ST. LOUIS – Embattled St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery is now challenging a newly-approved ordinance that redefines his duties and tightens financial oversight of his office.
On Monday, St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer approved the ordinance, just three days after approval from the Board of Aldermen as Board Bill 33.
Montgomery countered with a “petition for a temporary restraining order” in court, seeking to block the ordinance from taking effect and challenging its legality.
The ordinance requires the sheriff to submit written explanations for necessary expenses to the city comptroller and to provide monthly reports on spending and contracts to the Board of Aldermen’s public safety and budget committees.
Additionally, the ordinance explicitly states one duty of the office as transporting detainees from the city jail to hospitals for medical or psychiatric care, following allegations that his office refused to consistently assign deputies for this purpose.
The ordinance also outlines the sheriff’s duties for protecting the 22nd Judicial Circuit and its courts, serving summons and other legal processes and issuing concealed carry permits.
Along with this ordinance, Montgomery is also facing a federal indictment and quo warranto petition from the Missouri Attorney General’s Office seeking his removal.
The ongoing indictment and petition against Montgomery outline several allegations during his tenure, including claims of financial mismanagement, along with being accused of rolling golden dice to make decisions, using a deputy to pick up his kids from school, and ordering the detainment of former St. Louis jail administrator Tammy Ross.
Montgomery filed a petition for “declaratory judgment, injunctive relief and temporary restraining order” to challenge the new ordinance. He shared the following statement Tuesday on this effort:
“As the elected Sheriff of this county, I cannot stand idly by while the City of St. Louis engages in actions that are not only illegal but also jeopardize the safety and security of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri. The recent passing of Board Bill 33 is a blatant overreach of authority, undermining the integrity of our independent county office.
In response to this egregious act, I have taken decisive steps to protect our judicial system. I have filed a declaratory action to immediately halt the implementation of Board Bill 33 and maintain the status quo until this matter is thoroughly examined in court. It is imperative that we safeguard the operations of the courts and ensure that they remain free from external interference.
I will not allow the safety of our judicial operations to be compromised. I was elected to ensure that our courts can function effectively and without undue risk. The citizens of St. Louis deserve a justice system that is secure, fair, and operates without unlawful disruptions. The rule of law must prevail, and I will fight to uphold it.”
FOX 2 also reached out to the St. Louis Mayor’s Office for comment. A spokesperson said the office was working on a statement about the ordinance, but declined to comment on Montgomery’s challenge as of this story’s initial publication.
NOTE: Video is from FOX 2’s coverage of Montgomery’s federal indictment in August.
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