For the Missouri attorney general’s office, the fourth time’s the charm.

A judge ruled Wednesday that St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery cannot run his office from jail — answering a repeated call from Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway — at least until a trial to oust him permanently is held next month.

“With the sheriff in federal custody — in jail — I just don't see how it’s doable,” Circuit Judge Steven R. Ohmer said. “And accordingly, that he’s unable to perform his duties under those circumstances.”

Following the hearing, Presiding Circuit Judge Christopher E. McGraugh appointed former St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden as interim sheriff, effective immediately.

In addition to ruling on the temporary removal, Ohmer denied both Hanaway’s and Montgomery’s competing reques

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