ST. LOUIS — A judge indicted a Fairview Heights, Illinois, man in a U.S. District Court in St. Louis Wednesday after he allegedly sexually abused someone on Gateway Arch National Park grounds last year.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office in St. Louis, 35-year-old Monte Boatman was indicted on one count of sexual abuse. He faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. Boatman is in custody, police said.
Prosecutors accused Boatman of forcibly assaulting the victim on park grounds on Dec. 6, 2023, which caused them to fear for their life, serious bodily injury or kidnapping, according to the indictment.
The U.S. National Park Service said in a statement last year that park rangers received a report that day of a sexual assault that happened on the grounds of the Gateway Arch. A spokesperson for the Gateway Arch declined to say what time the incident happened. Park rangers and agents with the NPS' Investigative Branch immediately launched an ongoing investigation.
A Metro Transit spokesperson said in a statement that year that its surveillance cameras captured images of the incident, which were shared with investigators.
There was no further information provided regarding the incident.
The case was investigated by the National Park Service and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is prosecuting the case.
Resources for crime victims:
If you have been a victim of a crime or know someone who has been, 5 On Your Side has compiled a list of resources.
The Crime Victim Center of St. Louis has multiple programs to support victims of crime. Crime Victim Center’s programs range from direct services to crime victims as well as “creating awareness and change within the systems they encounter.”
Life Outside of Violence "helps those harmed by stabbing, gunshot or assault receive the treatment, support and resources they need to find alternatives to end the cycle of violence."
The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has the Neighborhood Healing Network, which serves people who have experienced crime, violence or been the victim of an incident that caused trauma.
