A man from Fairview Heights, Illinois, Monte Derrell Boatman, has admitted to sexually assaulting a woman at Gateway Arch National Park in 2023. On Friday, Boatman pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one felony count of aggravated sexual abuse.
The incident occurred on December 6, 2023. Boatman traveled by Metro from Fairview Heights and exited at Laclede’s Landing around 5:15 p.m. Surveillance footage captured him passing the victim near 4th Street and Washington Avenue at approximately 5:19 p.m., after which he began following her.
Boatman assaulted the victim by grabbing her from behind and threatening her with a razor to her neck before forcing her into nearby bushes where the attack took place. He repeatedly threatened her life during the assault.
Two days later, rangers from the National Park Service arrested Boatman after a struggle that left one ranger needing medical attention. At the time of his arrest, Boatman had an outstanding warrant for violating probation related to a 2009 armed robbery case in Southern Illinois.
Sentencing is set for November 12. The charge carries a potential life sentence or a $250,000 fine or both. Both parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 28 years imprisonment followed by supervised release for life.
The investigation was conducted by the National Park Service and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jillian Anderson prosecuting.
