PHILADELPHIA, PA — A North Carolina man has been sentenced to 19 years imprisonment for his horrifying attempts to kidnap two young women in Center City. The sentence was handed down on Friday by United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky, concluding a harrowing saga that began in November 2020.
Jacob Montague, 38, originally from Wilson, North Carolina, carried out his terrifying attacks over two consecutive days. On November 1, 2020, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Montague approached a young woman in Center City, brandishing a knife and ordering her to accompany him. However, the quick-thinking victim dialed 911, prompting Montague to retreat to his vehicle and flee the scene.
The next day, in a shocking display of audacity, Montague returned to Center City. At around 5:30 p.m., he launched an attack on another young woman who was walking her dog near the Schuylkill River Park. He snuck up behind her, held a knife to her throat, and dragged her into his vehicle.
Fortunately, this horrific ordeal was cut short by the heroic intervention of nearby civilians. They rushed into the fray, physically struggling with Montague and successfully freeing the terrified victim from his vehicle. Police arrived swiftly at the scene and arrested Montague. The victim was left injured from the attack, requiring multiple stitches following the attempted kidnapping.
On April 10, 2023, Montague pleaded guilty to both the attempted kidnapping and the kidnapping.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero made no bones about the severity of Montague’s crimes, stating, “Anyone who tries to snatch a stranger off the street isn’t fit to walk those streets with the rest of us. Jacob Montague did so at knifepoint — not just once, but twice in two days. He’s a clear threat to public safety, and for the protection of everyone in Philadelphia and beyond, Mr. Montague needs to be behind bars.”
Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division, echoed these sentiments, thanking the Philadelphia Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police for their invaluable assistance in removing violent criminals like Montague from the community.
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel expressed relief at the sentencing and praised the bravery of the bystanders who intervened to help the victim. He also emphasized the tireless work of the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department in investigating these crimes and securing justice.
The case against Montague is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, which aims to create safer communities through local crime reduction efforts. The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Priya DeSouza and Michael Miller.
While no sentence can ever fully erase the trauma inflicted on his victims, Montague’s 19-year imprisonment is a significant step towards providing closure and justice for the victims and their families.
In summary, Jacob Montague has been sentenced to 19 years for attempted kidnappings in Philadelphia. Armed with a knife during two separate attacks, his nefarious plans were foiled by the swift actions of courageous individuals. The FBI and Philadelphia Police were instrumental in ensuring community safety throughout the case. Montague’s incarceration represents a stride toward justice for the victims and their families.
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