Officials React To Alderman And Former Deputy’s Arrest
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The question of whether the former Lake County deputy accused of sexual misconduct with a minor, was allowed to keep his job as a city alderman, was answered. The citizens of Tiptonville who elected Mario Montgomery, said they were shocked, some even refused to believe the accusations. “I was shocked, I didn’t think he would ever be capable of doing something like that. He was always a nice person, you just never know,” said resident, Charlene Ledford. People who knew Montgomery personally said not only was he a good man, but a great officer and alderman. “I don’t think it’s true. I’m very disappointed, I don’t think it’s true,” said former co-worker, Brenda Fergerson. The former Lake County deputy and current Tiptonville city alderman was arrested, Thursday. He was charged with one-count of sexual battery by an authority figure, and one-count of sexual misconduct by an authority figure. Both, involved underage females. “It’s an on-going investigation, TBI is in charge, so we do not know a lot of information about it,” said Tiptonville Mayor Danny Cook. The TBI said agents had investigated Montgomery for two weeks, and confirmed he was an officer with the Lake County Sheriff’s Dept. at the time of the alleged incident. Records showed he was a Tiptonville alderman for three years. “We will look at things after the legal process is finished, but right now it’s premature to do anything with Mario’s position with the city,” said Mayor Cook. The Tiptonville mayor said since he did not know all the facts in this situation, he did not want to jeopardize Montgomery’s reputation. “He is definitely still an alderman, he was elected by the people, he is not a city employee, so it would definitely not be the right thing to do right now to do anything to his alderman status,” added Mayor Cook. Mayor Cook stated Montgomery will stay an alderman unless he resigned on his own. According to the TBI, Montgomery bonded out of jail Friday.
