ST. LOUIS – The City of St. Louis starts the new year with a new sheriff. Sheriff Alfred Montgomery took the oath of office on the steps of the civil court building on Wednesday morning.
During his speech, Montgomery says his office would be “less top heavy.” He promised to modernize the department, hire more qualified deputies and provide a substantial pay raise for deputies. He also says he hopes to reduce turnover rates.
“To the Sheriff’s Deputies who serve the City of St. Louis, we are in this together,” Montgomery said in his speech. “Together we will rise; together we will rebuild what has been torn down, and we are prepared for a brighter future.”
Montgomery won the November election, defeating Vernon Betts, who held the position since 2017. Shortly after the election, Montgomery told FOX 2 that he would terminate “most” of Betts’ current administrative staff.
Montgomery is also suing Betts to get him out of the court building. They’re scheduled to be in court Thursday.
Sheriff Montgomery’s suit against former Sheriff Betts accuses him of delaying the transfer of power by removing documents from the office and not providing credentials for the sheriff security systems.
Betts denies the accusations and told our partners at the Post Dispatch that Tuesday was his last day as sheriff, and he’s already out of the offices.