PHILADELPHIA (KYW NEWSRADIO) — The man accused of trying to abduct two women more than three years ago in Philadelphia was sentenced Friday to 19 years in Federal prison.
Jacob Montague, 38, of North Carolina, pleaded guilty last spring to kidnapping and attempted kidnapping charges connected to two different incidents in November 2020 — one near Fitler Square and the other near Rittenhouse Square.
The incidents happened just a day apart.
According to police, on Nov. 1, 2020, around 11:00 p.m., Montague approached a young woman in Center City, brandished a knife, and ordered her to come with him. She responded by calling 911, and Montague drove away.
The next day, he struck again, around 5:30 p.m.
Police say he snuck up behind a woman walking her dog near the Schuylkill River Park, put a knife to her throat, and dragged her into his car.
Bystanders saw it, and intervened before he could drive away, helping her escape from the car. The woman was injured and taken to the hospital where she needed multiple stitches.
Police arrived at the scene and arrested Montague.
On Friday, nearly four years later, United States District Judge Joel H. Slomsky sentenced Montague to 19 years in prison.
“Anyone who tries to snatch a stranger off the street isn’t fit to walk those streets with the rest of us,” said U.S. Attorney Romero. “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. Today’s sentence ensures he’ll be there for a very long time.”
His defense attorney said he was “very smart and well-educated,” but had severe mental health issues. Several friends and loved ones sent letters to the judge speaking on Montague’s behalf.
Montague was ordered to go through substance abuse and mental health treatment.