Monte Derrell Boatman, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Missouri 2023

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Monte Derrell Boatman Admits to Heinous Crime in Gateway Arch National Park

In a shocking turn of events, 37-year-old Monte Derrell Boatman, a resident of Fairview Heights, Illinois, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse in U.S. District Court in St. Louis. The crime took place on December 6, 2023, at approximately 5:30 p.m. in Gateway Arch National Park, leaving the victim traumatized.

According to investigators, Boatman arrived in St. Louis via the Metro from Fairview Heights and exited at Laclede’s Landing at around 5:15 p.m. Just a few minutes later, he was captured on video near 4th Street and Washington Avenue at 5:19 p.m., with the victim passing by shortly after. The defendant then began stalking his prey, forcing himself onto the victim with a razor to her neck.

Details of the heinous crime are still disturbing to recall. Boatman grabbed the victim from behind, wrapped his arms around her, and dragged her into the bushes, where he committed the assault while threatening to take her life. The victim was later rescued by National Park Service rangers two days after the incident, following a struggle that left one ranger requiring medical attention.

Boatman’s troubled past caught up with him, as he had an active arrest warrant at the time for violating his probation in a 2009 armed robbery case in the Southern District of Illinois. The defendant now faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Prosecutors and Boatman’s defense team have agreed to recommend a 28-year prison sentence followed by supervised release for life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson is handling the case, with the National Park Service and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department contributing to the investigation.

Boatman is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12. The people of St. Louis demand justice for the victim, and we will continue to follow this case closely as it unfolds.

As we report this tragic event, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for increased awareness about personal safety in public areas.