ST. LOUIS — The outgoing St. Louis city sheriff sat down with 5 On Your Side on Tuesday.
Vernon Betts said this will be his last interview with a media outlet. A wide variety of topics were covered, including allegations against him, his time in office, and his political future.
In his office on Tuesday morning, he proudly pointed at pictures.
Betts said he's done his part to improve his hometown.
"I'm a St. Louis boy, born and raised," Betts said. "It's in me to help people, that's what I will continue to do, as long as I live in the city of St. Louis."
As the chapter ends in his time as sheriff, Betts will take his knowledge with him.
"No, there's been no transition of power and there's no need," Betts shared.
Just 24 hours prior, sheriff-elect Alfred Montgomery told 5 On Your Side it's been difficult to get any information as he transitions into his new role.
Montgomery said, "I want to have that conversation with him. I wanted to say, 'Hey, what can you do to help me transition to office?'"
Betts told 5 On Your Side he never got any help himself.
"I didn't need it and you don't need it. All you need when you walk in here on January 1st to get sworn in and then go about your business," Betts shared.
Betts claims there have been harsh conversations between the two.
Montgomery started his campaign in 2020 and lost.
In 2024's primary, Betts was defeated by Montgomery. A recount was filed, but final results showed Montgomery as the winner.
Montgomery is a former deputy under Betts' administration.
5 On Your Side asked if he regrets hiring Montgomery.
Betts' response: "Yes, I do."
Betts also denied threatening any deputies with a possible job termination if they supported Montgomery.
This was an allegation Montgomery shared and was concerned about. Montgomery said the department couldn't afford losing any other deputies with its staffing shortages.
5 On Your Side asked Betts if he had any advice for the sheriff-elect.
He hesitated, laughed and responded, "I'm going to be praying for him, I'm going to be praying for him."
Betts also talked about his faith as a Christian man and said he was an "icon" in his church and neighborhood.
"People know my reputation, they know my character. Now, you can get me out of sorts a little bit depending on what you say or what you do, but for the most part, Vernon Betts, I'm a Baptist minister. I have to walk with some integrity," Betts added.
Betts was referring to the colorful language he has been accused of saying.
"I'm sorry that my mouth can get a little vulgar sometimes," he told 5 On Your Side.
Throughout the interview, Betts described his time since 2017 as a "thankless job," saying he's made St. Louis a better place.
Betts shared the hardships of the pandemic while serving paperwork and how he helped people.
5 On Your Side reporter Justina Coronel asked Betts, "Will you miss this job?"
He responded, "No, no, I'm not going to miss it."
He described the job as difficult, while maneuvering issues such as staffing shortages and low pay.
"My deputies are the lowest paid law enforcement agency in the St. Louis region. Starting salary is $34,600. That's egregious," Betts added. "Mr. Montgomery says he's going to come in and change it. Well, I don't know how he's going to do that when I couldn't... maybe he can, more power to him."
Before his time as the sheriff, Betts was a teacher and was employed by Ameren.
Betts said he already has four to five job offers from law enforcement to Harris Stowe, but the most immediate thing he will do after his role wraps up is to sit at home and do nothing.
"I may find me a job. I like baseball. I might get me a job at the baseball stadium just telling people where to sit," he said. "Maybe I might run in four years. I don't know.... don't count the sheriff out," Betts suggested.
5 On Your Side asked if he had a final message for St. Louisans.
"I would like to say to the people of St. Louis, thank you for letting me serve as your sheriff these years. It's been a humdinger, but I enjoy being able to serve the citizens of St. Louis. And so, I get on my horse and I ride off into the sunset. I'll be around St. Louis," Betts said.
Betts' official last day is Dec. 31. Montgomery will start the very next day.
According to the city's website, the Sheriff's Office is responsible for the safety and security of 31 divisional courtrooms of the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court and the transportation of prisoners between the courts and detention facilities. The Sheriff also has the duty of serving court papers, eviction notices and issuing concealed carry permits.