A Message from Our District Attorney

As District Attorney, the principle by which I will run this office is to make decisions based on the merits, based on the facts, based on hard work and the results of that hard work. That’s the American way, the American Dream. We are blessed to live where we live. This is a great community. This is a great place to raise a family. This is a great place to start a business. This a great place to seek and follow the American Dream. And the reason that these things are true is, the people who live here. That’s what makes this a great community.

Mission Statement

The Office of District Attorney of the 22nd Judicial District is dedicated to the pursuit of truth and justice, protecting the public and serving our community through the ethical prosecution of criminal offenses and civil matters while safeguarding the rights of all citizens, including the accused.

Goals

▪ To help improve the quality of life for all residents of Washington and St. Tammany Parishes

▪ Create and maintain open communication to promote the best interests of the community, ensuring that the public is kept informed of the work we are doing

Read more

News

  • Former St. Tammany Deputy Pleads Guilty to Distributing Marijuana and Malfeasance

    Former St. Tammany Deputy Pleads Guilty to Distributing Marijuana and Malfeasance

    August 15, 2018 COVINGTON—District Attorney Warren Montgomery reports that former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Kenneth Szalajeski, 36, of Folsom, pleaded guilty Wednesday (August 15) to two counts of distribution of marijuana and two counts of malfeasance in office. District Judge Raymond S. Childress sentenced Szalajeski to 10 years in prison with nine of them …
  • Jury Finds Lacombe Man Guilty of Raping a Juvenile

    Jury Finds Lacombe Man Guilty of Raping a Juvenile

    August 13, 2018 COVINGTON—District Attorney Warren Montgomery announces that a St. Tammany Parish jury found James Matthew Cole, 64, of Lacombe, guilty Friday of second degree rape, molestation of a juvenile, and sexual battery of a victim under 13.  He faces 25 to 99 years in prison when he is sentenced by District Judge Scott …
  • DA Montgomery at Folsom Junior High

    DA Montgomery at Folsom Junior High

    District Attorney Warren Montgomery joined the staff at Folsom Junior High School Wednesday morning for a community breakfast.  Thanks to Principal Amy Barrow and Assistant Principal Kenita Nicoulin for the warm welcome.

Accomplishments Since January 2015

If you will read the initial goals I set out to achieve on the left side of this page, you’ll find that I, along with my fantastic staff, have accomplished many of those goals:

  1. Created more transparent office
  2. Hired top-notch staff (55% of ADAs and 50% of investigators new)
  3. Created Screening Department
  4. Improved Domestic Violence Unit
  5. Enhanced use of Specialty Courts and helped create new Veterans Court
  6. Upgraded technology office-wide
  7. Created employee manual
  8. Stabilized budget
  9. Created Financial Assistance Program for indigent defendants to participate in Diversion Program
  10. Work more closely with Law enforcement agencies

Click here for more details.