Second arrest made in connection with disappearance of missing 7-year-old NH girl

MANCHESTER, N.H. — Another person was arrested in connection with the disappearance of the missing 7-year-old New Hampshire girl, Harmony Montgomery, according to the New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office.

Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg, Attorney General John Formella, and Hillsborough County Attorney John Coughlin confirmed Thursday morning to Boston 25 News that Kayla Montgomery, 31, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was arrested Wednesday for one charge of welfare fraud, a class A felony.

Authorities say this charge alleges that between Dec. 2019 to June of 2021, Montgomery obtained over $1,500 in food stamp benefits by failing to remove Harmony from Kayla’s family account with N.H. DHHS Division of Family Assistance. She also continued to collect food stamps benefits for Harmony, even though Harmony was no longer living with her or her husband, Adam Montgomery, authorities say.

PREVIOUS: Arrest made in connection with the missing 7-year-old girl from N.H.

There was another arrested made this week in connection with Harmony’s disappearance. Adam Montgomery, 31, of Manchester, was arrested Tuesday on a warrant for one felony charge of second-degree assault arising from 2019 conduct against Harmony Montgomery, as well as one misdemeanor charge of interference with custody and two misdemeanor charges of endangering the welfare of a child about Harmony.

Authorities confirmed that Kayla is not the biological mother of Harmony. They added that Kayla is expected to be arraigned at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, in the Hillsborough County Superior Court North.

Boston 25 News spoke to Kayla’s mother, who said she saw Harmony over Thanksgiving in 2019 and that Adam, Kayla, Harmony, along with the couple’s three other children, were at the house. Kayla’s mother said that she didn’t see any signs of abuse.

Kayla’s mother went on to say that she believes Harmony disappeared no later than December 6, 2019, due to Kayla allegedly telling her that Adam returned Harmony to her biological mother. Authorities say there is no evidence to support this statement.

Kayla’s mother told Boston 25 News she calls Adam, “Pure evil.”

Adam Montgomery is held without bail, charged with abusing Harmony in 2019. His family told investigators Adam gave Harmony a black eye. As of Wednesday, Adam was not talking to the police about Harmony’s whereabouts.

Police are continuing to search for Harmony and are requesting the public’s assistance in locating her.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2022 Cox Media Group