Alfred Montgomery

Prosecutors said there wasn’t a way to effectively monitor Alfred Montgomery’s communications while he was on bond, and the judge agreed that the alleged burner phone was a step too far.

The judge's decision came the day after Sheriff Alfred Montgomery was indicted on five federal felony charges.

The sheriff was charged with witness retaliation and witness tampering.

"The undisputed facts prove Sheriff Montgomery has forfeited the right to hold public office, and this motion seeks to ensure justice is finally done for the people of St. Louis," Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said.

After less than a year, Alfred Montgomery faces removal efforts, controversies and multiple lawsuits. But he came in with big goals for the St. Louis sheriff’s office.

In a Tuesday order, Circuit Judge Joan L. Moriarty cited a lack of staff at the City Justice Center — and subsequent reductions in detainee services — as reasons to require Sheriff Alfred Montgomery's office to immediately provide transportation to external medical providers.

Mayor Cara Spencer said she is shocked that Montgomery would float taking over the city’s jail while he doesn’t fulfill the debated duties of his office.

Following an hourslong hearing, Sheriff Alfred Montgomery said his office should take over the City Justice Center in order to provide detainees with improved medical care.

Sheriff Alfred Montgomery's lawyers warned of "irreparable harm" to the safety and security of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Courts if the office is forced to medically transport jail detainees in a request for a temporary restraining order filed Monday.

The bill now goes to Mayor Cara Spencer's desk for final approval. It comes after Sheriff Alfred Montgomery sparred with the board's budget committee last June.