Man Arrested For Locust Grove Woman's Assault

The Mayes County Sheriff's Office says it has arrested a man for the sexual assault of an 81-year-old Locust Grove woman.

Monday, May 11th 2009, 12:35 pm

By: News On 6


By Ashli Sims, The News On 6

LOCUST GROVE, OK -- A Mayes County man is behind bars accused of sexually assaulting an elderly woman.  Investigators say the suspect victimized an 81-year-old woman for an hour.  And, this isn't the first time he's been accused of rape.

The suspect was released from jail last month.  A Mayes County prosecutor says the suspect was arrested in February for sexually assaulting a 22 year old.  But, prosecutors say with no prior felony convictions, he was able to bond out of jail.

Now, Mayes County investigators say he's the same man who knocked on an 81-year-old widow's door last week asking to use the phone.  They say when she let him inside, he held a knife to her throat, and repeatedly assaulted her.

"I've been sheriff for eight and a half years. This is the first time I've heard of this kind of case, here in Mayes County anyway," said Mayes County Sheriff Frank Cantey.

Sheriff Frank Cantey says stranger rapes are rare and elderly victims are even rarer.  But, that's what he believes happened to an 81-year-old woman in Locust Grove, last Tuesday.

"She let him in to use the phone and at that time he produced the knife and forced her to do some sexual acts," said Mayes County Sheriff Frank Cantey.

Investigators say the suspect victimized her for an hour, then stole $11 and took off through the woods.  Police arrested Hank Daniel Montgomery for the crime on Thursday.

Now, he's back in the Mayes County Jail.

Back in February, he was arrested for a different sexual assault...

"Those things don't happen very often but they can happen in rural Oklahoma," said Mayes County Sheriff Frank Cantey.

Sheriff Cantey says it's a reminder for everyone to be cautious of strangers.

"Somebody comes to your door and they need to use the phone. I'm not saying turn people away, but make that phone call for them. Don't let them come into your house," said Mayes County Sheriff Frank Cantey.

Investigators were able to track Montgomery down because he knocked on a second door the same night of the assault.  They say that couple helped him call a friend, even gave him a ride.  But, he was shirtless and acting nervous, so the sheriff says when the couple heard about the assault they called police.

Montgomery is behind bars with a $750,000 bond.  And, he's supposed to be in court next week for the February rape charge.

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