ATHENS, Texas — More information has been released regarding the arrest of the City of Athens mayor for online solicitation of a minor.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), James Monte Montgomery's arrest was part of a multi-district operation that netted three additional arrests.
Montgomery was booked into the Gregg County Jail on Thursday for online solicitation of a minor/sexual conduct. His bond was set at $300,000.
DPS says Montgomery and the other suspects were arrested when they arrived at an undisclosed location after soliciting sex online with investigators posing as minors.
In addition to Montgomery, the following were also arrested:
- Jesse Bennett Mason, 39, of Hallsville
- Jordan Rook, 22, of Longview
- Michael David Bylsma, 41, of White Oak
The City of Athens has released a statement after learning the East Texas city's mayor was arrested in Longview on Thursday for online solicitation of a minor.
"We were shocked to learn yesterday of Mr. Montgomery's arrest in Longview," the city said. "These are very serious allegations and the City of Athens does not take them lightly. We are committed to the protection and safety of our children. The City Council will be considering all possible actions as details become available. As this is a Longview Police Department investigation, we have no information beyond what has been reported by the news media."
According to DPS, solicitation of a minor involves a defendant asking or engaging in a conversation with a minor and during the course of that conversation, the defendant asks (or solicits) the minor to meet them for the purpose of engaging in a sexual act. Online Solicitation of a Minor under Texas Penal Code Section 33.021 is a felony of the second degree. Second-degree felonies are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.