Why Is Monty Running?

Monty’s years in the criminal justice system have shown him how he can serve the people while also protecting the constitutional rights afforded to every American citizen. 

“As the Fourth Circuit Solicitor, I want to ensure fairness in court, while protecting victim’s rights.” he says.

Key Issues

First-time, Nonviolent Offenders

  • Monty intends to strengthen and expand the Fourth Circuit’s Pre-Trial Intervention Program, which has shown success in the past.

  • State records indicate that, in the 12 months from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022, only about 5% of the circuit’s participants had been prosecuted after failing to complete the program. 

Violent Offenders

  • Monty understands that prosecutors’ ability to address nonviolent, petty criminal offenders without going to trial will free up court time for those accused of murder, rape and otherwise violent crimes.

  • The presence of a robust Pretrial Diversion Program is integral to the prosecution of violent offenders.

Docket Backlog

  • As in many states, South Carolina is seeing an unprecedented backlog of criminal cases. According to The State, South Carolina had a total of 175,167 criminal cases pending as of Nov. 30, 2023.

  • Monty's vision would directly allocate resources to help attack the backlog that has plagued the Fourth Circuit, while still keeping our community safe. 

Fentanyl Deaths

  • The South Carolina Legislature took action last year, putting a bill on the governor’s desk that created felony charges relating to the trafficking and possession of fentanyl.

  • If elected as solicitor, Monty intends to utilize that new law, which was implemented in August, and new sentencing guidelines to help curb the epidemic.

Victims’ Resources

  • A reduction in federal funds this year is proving disastrous for nonprofits and government organizations that provide services to the victims of violent crimes and their families.

  • If elected, Monty will join activists, victims’ advocates and state Attorney General Alan Wilson in asking the General Assembly to allocate $15 million in state funds.