A Missouri sheriff finds himself under federal scrutiny after being accused of retaliating against and intimidating witnesses linked to a controversial arrest he orchestrated. The charges stem from an incident involving the detention of a jail administrator, which has now spiraled into a broader investigation.

The saga began in February when St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery allegedly directed the arrest of the acting administrator of the St. Louis City Justice Center. The initial indictment, issued in August, accused Montgomery of misdemeanor deprivation of rights under the color of law. The arrest was reportedly due to the administrator’s refusal to permit Montgomery’s deputies entry into the jail.

While released on bond, Montgomery allegedly sought retribution against those connected to the administrator’s arrest. Federal authorities claim he either demoted or dismissed witnesses involved in the case, thus escalating his legal troubles.

In a recorded conversation last month with an employee from the St. Louis Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery allegedly discussed these retaliatory measures, specifically mentioning the demotion of an employee identified as W.H. The indictment details Montgomery’s admission during the call, expressing his initial belief that W.H. was involved based on depositions, leading to the demotion.

Beyond W.H., Montgomery reportedly directed his anger towards three other witnesses, labeled in the proceedings as L.S., T.S. 1, and T.S. 2. The unfolding legal battle highlights the complex interplay of power and accountability within law enforcement agencies, drawing significant public and legal attention.

From the indictment:

ln the September 5, 2025 recorded phone call, Montgomery further stated that “[L.S., T.S.2, T.S.1] been playing f—ing games since day one. [L.S., T.S.2, and T.S.1] the ones been telling the feds all type of s—… We got it on record, the depositions, [L.S., T.S.2, and T.S. 1] statements to the FBI, all the s— [L.S., T.S.2, and T.S.1] been telling them people … It’s been the motherf—ers the whole f—ing time … I’m sick of this s— and I’m sick of these snake motherf—ers … [T.S.1, L.S., and T.S.2] gotta go … [T.S.1, L.S., and T.S.2] definitely gotta go … I don’t have to take this s—, I’m the f—ing sheriff. I say it’s either done or it ain’t. I don’t have to tolerate this s—. You work for the pleasure of me. I brought you in this motherf—er, I will move you up out this motherf—er.

CBS affiliate KMOV reported that prosecutors alleged in court that Montgomery used a “burner phone” he bought while out on bond to make the alleged intimidation call.

Feds also allege that Montgomery barred the three witnesses from the courthouse and put one of them on unpaid administrative leave for “insubordination,” but never provided a basis for the decision.

On Tuesday, feds handed down a superseding indictment of Montgomery for four counts of witness retaliation and one count of witness tampering.

Montgomery, who was on house arrest from his first indictment, was placed into federal custody on Tuesday. Cops recovered 14 firearms from his home, KTVI reported.

His attorney proclaimed his client innocent.

“What happened here is the sheriff was indicted for five felonies he didn’t commit,” Justin Gelfand told reporters after the hearing, per CBS affiliate KMOV. “”Since when do you have a defense lawyer begging to put on evidence of actual innocence in a federal courtroom and a prosecutor saying I don’t want to hear it? That’s not justice.”

As a result of Montgomery’s arrest, officials named an interim sheriff, KMOV reported. Voters elected Montgomery, a Democrat, last year.