ST. LOUIS — Sheriff Alfred Montgomery has been temporarily removed from his duties as St. Louis City Sheriff pending the outcome of his upcoming trial, which is scheduled to begin November 18 in St. Louis Circuit Court.
Former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Chief John Hayden has been appointed interim sheriff by order of Presiding Circuit Court Judge Christopher E. McGraugh. The appointment follows concerns raised during a Wednesday hearing regarding the leadership and operations of the sheriff’s office while Montgomery remains in federal custody.
Montgomery’s legal issues stem from a civil rights case related to the arrest and detention of former St. Louis corrections administrator Tammy Ross. A federal judge found that Montgomery violated the conditions of his bond and ordered him detained at an undisclosed location.
Prior to his detention, Montgomery named Colonel Yosef Yasharahla to handle the daily functions of the sheriff’s office beginning October 14, while he remained the elected officeholder. His attorney, David Mason, argued that Montgomery retained the ability to make key administrative decisions despite his confinement. However, Circuit Judge Steven Ohmer questioned whether Montgomery could effectively perform his duties while in custody, emphasizing that oversight from a distance is not equivalent to active leadership.
During the hearing, Ohmer directed the presiding judge to coordinate with Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore and St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy to identify an interim leader. Within an hour, Hayden was selected for the position. Hayden, who led the St. Louis police force through periods of high crime and institutional reform, has received support from Mayor Cara Spencer, who affirmed the city’s readiness to assist in ensuring the sheriff’s office remains functional and stable.
The Missouri Attorney General’s office, which filed the quo warranto proceeding seeking Montgomery’s removal, expressed support for the decision. The state had requested a summary judgment on three counts, while Montgomery’s legal team sought dismissal of all charges. Both motions were denied.
Montgomery’s attorneys are appealing the federal court’s bond revocation decision, which, if successful, could allow him to return to house arrest or regain limited freedom before trial. Judge Ohmer, however, voiced skepticism that the federal district court would overturn the magistrate’s ruling.
Montgomery’s temporary removal comes amid heightened scrutiny of law enforcement leadership in St. Louis, where recent controversies and administrative turnover have eroded public confidence. As interim sheriff, Hayden is tasked with maintaining the continuity of the office’s core responsibilities—court security, prisoner transport, and civil process service—until the court determines whether Montgomery will be permanently removed.
The quo warranto trial to decide Montgomery’s future as sheriff is scheduled to begin November 18.
