Unfortunately this situation does not seem surprising here in Texas, as a multitude of men entrusted with public safety have broken their promises to the community by violating the very laws they vow to uphold.
From Staff Reports
2 hrs ago
Longview police arrested Athens Mayor James Monte Montgomery Thursday on charges of online solicitation of a minor and sexual conduct, according to multiple news sources
A Longview News-Journal article said police familiar with the investigation told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that Montgomery got caught up in a Texas Department of Public Safety prostitution sting.
âMontgomery, 63, of Athens, was arrested by Longview police and released Thursday from the Gregg County Jail on $300,000 bond,â the article stated. âAccording to the city of Athens website, Montgomery is serving a term that ends in 2023.â
KLTV reported he bonded out a short time later.
Athens Mayor James "Monte" Montgomery submitted his resignation Friday, June 4, "effective immediately," according to the city s Facebook page. Longview police arrested Montgomery, 63, Thursday on charges of online solicitation
Updated 2 hours ago
NBC 5 News
Athens Mayor James Monte Montgomery is out on bond after being arrested and accused of online solicitation of a minor Thursday.
Gregg County Jail records show Montgomery was arrested and charged by the Longview Police Department. Details of his arrest have not yet been released by investigators.
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According to the Tyler Morning Telegraph, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division said Montgomery and three other men were arrested during an undercover sting operation.
The City of Athens released a statement Friday morning on Facebook, saying they were shocked to learn of Montgomery s arrest and that they would be considering all possible actions as the investigation unfolds.