Probationer gets 5 years in prison for weapons charge

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Thomas Montgomery Jr.

A man who pled guilty in September last year to charges stemming from his threats to kill everyone at his home was back in Baxter County Circuit Court Monday.

Thirty-nine-year-old Thomas Montgomery, Jr., entered a guilty plea to his new charges of being a felon in possession of a weapon charge and violating probation. He was sentenced to five years in prison.

In late March, officers went to Montgomery’s home along County Road 1419 in the Clarkridge area to conduct a compliance visit.

The visits are done to ensure those on probation are following the terms and conditions of the probation they received.

Officers said Montgomery was sitting on a couch in the living room andwas seen reaching between the cushions and arm of the couch.

When the area was searched, a loaded 9-milimeter pistol was found. More weapons were uncovered in other parts of the house. A person convicted of a felony is not allowed to be around weapons.

The possession of the handgun is also a violation of the terms and conditions of Montgomery’s probation handed down in the original case and that led to the filing of a petition seeking the revocation of the probation on March 31.

ORIGINAL ARREST

His arrest in the original case came in late Aprillast year when Baxter County sheriff’s deputies responded to a residence along County Road 1419.

The caller reported a male was at the home who needed medical assistance and was being combative. A second call was made to warn deputies that the man, identified as Montgomery, had access to guns and knives.

When the first deputy arrived on scene, he saw several family members, including two children, leaving the house and running across the road.

According to the probable cause affidavit in the case, a deputy reported it appeared Montgomery was having a bad experience with drugs.

Montgomery was reported to have continued cursing and shouting threats as the deputy checked for weapons. He said he saw a small rifle on a table.

According to a relative, Montgomery was reported to have small handguns “stashed everywhere.”

At one point, Montgomery was alleged to have threatened to shoot medical personal if they came intothe room where he occupied.

A hunting knife and several smaller knives were taken from Montgomery.

Montgomery was placed in a sheriff’s patrol car and taken to the county jail. It was reported that during the trip, Montgomery went through a series of emotions, but remained verbally combative.

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