ST. LOUIS – St. Louis City officials question whether money problems are the sheriff’s fault, as Alfred Montgomery threatened to cut vital inmate health transports – a move he’s now taking back.
Sheriff Montgomery has said previously he doesn’t have the money for those inmate transports, even after he was caught using a deputy and vehicle to transport his own children.
Following budget testimony on Monday, FOX 2 asked the sheriff how he can justify using a deputy and car to pick up his own children while claiming his office is in a budget crisis. Sheriff Montgomery did not answer our questions nor questions from other reporters.
It was a stark contrast to how things began, when he shook hands with the media before blaming them.
“We can’t allow the media to interfere with the process of the sheriff’s office,” Montgomery told the budget committee.
The sheriff had threatened last week to stop prisoner health transports, if he did not get more money. City leaders pushed back.
“Have you considered in cutting down on things that are not under your office’s purview?” Alderman Michael Browning (Ward 9) said, alluding to the sheriff’s response in the aftermath of the St. Louis tornado, which falls outside the legal duties of the sheriff’s office.
Montgomery doubled down. “If there’s a problem within our city when it comes to our residents, Sheriff Montgomery is coming. I’m coming!”
“I’m asking you to follow the law. That’s what I’m asking,” Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez (Ward 6) said.
Sheriff Montgomery told the panel his department would continue the inmate transports. He said his previous threat to stop them was canceled. They’ll keep doing the job, he said, while adding that he still needs more money and more deputies.
“You’re saying, ‘We need the money. Trust us,’ and the problem is that it is very hard to trust you,” Browning said.
Montgomery responded in frustration, “You guys are asking me at one point, stick to your core duties, and I’m trying my best to stick to my core duties at the same time while asking me, but we need you to do this. It doesn’t make sense to me.”
The meeting ended shortly thereafter, with the sheriff briskly walking across the street to his office followed by question after question that he would not answer.
There will not be an immediate answer on the sheriff’s request. We’ve learned that he has agreed to return to another budget meeting to try asking again.