Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Joe Montgomery, a familiar and respected figure in law enforcement across the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, has retired this week following an extraordinary 41-year career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Of his four decades of service, 31 years were dedicated specifically to the communities within the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.

The Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office expressed deep gratitude to Montgomery, citing a legacy defined by professionalism, persistence, and a steadfast commitment to justice for victims and citizens across the region.

Montgomery’s retirement was also celebrated this week with colleagues and peers from law enforcement, recognizing not only his length of service, but the impact his investigations have had on public safety and accountability throughout Northwest Georgia.

Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader was among many law enforcement leaders across the state who spoke highly of Montgomery’s career, crediting him as a trusted partner in complex investigations and wishing him well as he begins retirement.

Throughout his tenure, Montgomery was widely regarded as a driving force in major cases—often combining detailed investigative work with a long-term commitment to seeing cases through, even when answers took years to emerge.

Among the cases highlighted for Montgomery’s pivotal role:

  • State v. Robert Allen Mowry (2023): Montgomery’s decades-long work helped secure a conviction for the 1994 murder of James Richard “Jim” Harris of Chickamauga. With advances in DNA technology and continued investigative follow-through, the case reached resolution nearly 30 years later. Mowry was sentenced to life in prison.

  • State v. Johntae Collier and Eric Dodds: Investigators relied heavily on cell phone data and mapping technology to place the defendants at the scene in the murder of Dakota Bradshaw, leading to guilty verdicts and life sentences.

  • State v. James Benson (2012): Montgomery’s investigation helped document a pattern of control and abuse that ended in the ICU waiting room shootings at Hutcheson Medical Center, where Mary Sue Benson and Charlotte Johnson were killed. Benson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Former District Attorney Herbert E. “Buzz” Franklin praised Montgomery’s service, emphasizing his work on the circuit’s most serious cases—from capital murder investigations to child-related cases—and said Montgomery will be missed.

Current District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller also recognized Montgomery as a long-time partner in the pursuit of justice and offered best wishes to Montgomery and his family as they enter the next chapter.

As Montgomery steps away from active duty, law enforcement agencies and community leaders throughout the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit say his career leaves behind an enduring example of integrity, determination, and commitment to protecting the people of Northwest Georgia.