A 59-year-old pastor in San Jose has been convicted of misdemeanor assault after choking his girlfriend during a confrontation at his home. The incident took place in 2024 when the woman discovered him with another person. He is scheduled to be sentenced in September.
The Rev. Ray Montgomery was found guilty of choking his 44-year-old girlfriend after she arrived unannounced at his San Jose residence on June 6, 2024, and found him with another woman. According to court records, he picked her up, dragged her down a hallway and squeezed her neck, causing her to lose consciousness briefly. She later sought medical treatment for neck bruising and reported the assault to police.
Montgomery, who previously led the civil rights group People Acting in Community Together, had filed a lawsuit claiming the woman was the aggressor. That civil case has been paused during the criminal proceedings. He stepped down from his nonprofit role after the allegations surfaced.
"We believe domestic violence victims," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen. "Lawsuits and lying will never stop us from seeking justice for those who are hurt by their partners."
Montgomery faces sentencing on Sept. 8.
