Rev. Ray Montgomery, a former civil rights nonprofit executive in California, has been convicted of assaulting his girlfriend after she discovered him with another woman at his San Jose home.
Background
Montgomery served as the executive director of People Acting in Community Together (PACT), an organization that aids immigrants and low-income families. He stepped down from the position following allegations in the case. The incident occurred on June 6, 2024, when the victim arrived unannounced at Montgomery's residence.
According to court testimony, Montgomery answered the door in his underwear with another woman inside. This reportedly sparked an argument that quickly turned physical. Montgomery grabbed the victim, dragged her down the hallway and squeezed her neck between his forearm and bicep, according to prosecutors. The victim temporarily lost consciousness before regaining awareness and fleeing the scene.
The victim locked herself in a bathroom and called a friend who picked her up. She later sought medical treatment at a hospital where she reported the assault to police. Medical records documented bruising on her neck consistent with strangulation.
Prior to being charged, Montgomery filed a civil lawsuit against the victim claiming he was trying to "defuse the situation" and that she was the aggressor, according to the Mercury News. The lawsuit alleged the woman came over to his home "uninvited" while he was "entertaining a female friend." That civil case was reportedly put on hold pending resolution of the criminal matter.
The victim also told investigators that Montgomery attempted to intimidate her into dropping the complaint and accused him of abusive behavior on previous occasions.
The Charges
Montgomery was convicted of misdemeanor assault for choking his girlfriend, according to Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. The conviction stems directly from the June 6 incident where prosecutors argued Montgomery strangled the victim with enough force to render her unconscious. Sentencing is scheduled for September 8.
"We believe domestic violence victims," District Attorney Jeff Rosen said in a statement. "Lawsuits and lying will never stop us from seeking justice for those who are hurt by their partners."
Key Takeaways
- Rev. Ray Montgomery was executive director of People Acting in Community Together, a civil rights nonprofit serving immigrants and low-income families in San Jose
- The attack occurred June 6, 2024, after the victim showed up at his home unannounced and discovered him with another woman
- Prosecutors said Montgomery choked her between his bicep and forearm until she temporarily lost consciousness
- Victim suffered bruising on her neck and went to a hospital where she reported the assault to police
- Montgomery filed a civil lawsuit claiming self-defense before being charged in the criminal case
- He was convicted of misdemeanor assault; sentencing scheduled for September 8
What's Next
Montgomery faces sentencing on September 8 in Santa Clara County. The status of his civil lawsuit against the victim remains pending while the criminal case concludes.