After more than three decades on the bench, retired Circuit Judge David C. Mason is taking on a new role — this time with the St. Louis Sheriff’s Office.

A department spokesperson said Mason will serve as the office’s statutory attorney on a part-time basis, earning no more than $15,000 annually .

His arrival comes at a turbulent time for Sheriff Alfred Montgomery, who is facing multiple lawsuits, including allegations of false imprisonment and defamation . Just last week, a nonprofit legal advocacy group publicly called for Montgomery’s removal .

But Mason appears unfazed by the headlines around the office.

“I could see this was a young man with serious vision,” he said. “[Montgomery] really understood the importance of integrity, of professionalism and of real

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