Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Joe Montgomery, a towering figure in law enforcement for the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit, has retired this week after an extraordinary 41-year career with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). 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 extended its deepest gratitude to SAC Montgomery, acknowledging his distinguished career and profound impact on justice in the region.

Throughout his extensive career, SAC Montgomery was lauded as a driving force behind pursuing justice for victims and citizens across the circuit. His meticulous investigative work played a central role in numerous significant convictions, bringing closure to families and holding perpetrators accountable.

Among the high-profile cases where SAC Montgomery’s contributions were pivotal are:

• State v. Robert Allen Mowry (2023): Montgomery’s persistent investigative work, spanning decades, was instrumental in securing a conviction for the 1994 murder of James Richard “Jim” Harris of Chickamauga. Harris was found deceased in his driveway after being struck and strangled during an apparent robbery. While forensic science initially struggled with the evidence, advances in DNA technology combined with Montgomery’s enduring commitment led to Mowry’s arrest and conviction nearly 30 years later, delivering long-awaited justice to the Harris family. Mowry was sentenced to life in prison.
• State v. Johntae Collier and Eric Dodds: This complex investigation into the murder of Dakota Bradshaw hinged critically on the use of cell phone data and mapping technology to place the killers at the crime scene. The evidence, painstakingly developed and presented, resulted in guilty verdicts and life sentences for both defendants.
• State v. James Benson (2012): SAC Montgomery’s investigation painted a chilling picture of domination and isolation that culminated in James Benson murdering his wife, Mary Sue Benson, and his mother-in-law, Charlotte Johnson, in the ICU waiting room at Hutcheson Medical Center. The tragic shootings occurred after Mary Sue refused reconciliation, following years of documented abuse. Based on the thorough investigation, Benson was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.

Former District Attorney Herbert E. “Buzz” Franklin lauded Montgomery’s dedication, stating, “As an agent for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation working in our judicial circuit, Joe Montgomery was on the front lines. From capital murder cases to child molestation cases to child death investigations, Joe worked on the most serious cases one could imagine. Joe was an excellent investigator who worked diligently to uncover the truth and was compassionate in his pursuit of the truth. Due to his excellent work, Joe became the assistant agent in charge and ultimately the head of Region One for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He has certainly earned his retirement, but he will certainly be missed.”

Current District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller echoed the sentiments, adding, “Joe Montgomery has long been a partner in pursuing justice to this office. I wish him and his family the very best as he begins this next chapter. Enjoy your retirement.”

As SAC Montgomery closes this chapter of his distinguished career, the District Attorney’s Office, along with the entire Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit community, extends its deepest gratitude and best wishes for a well-deserved retirement. His unwavering commitment to justice has left an indelible mark on the protection and safety of the community he served.