Jeffrey Miller, councilor charged with child molestation, issues statement
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — An Indianapolis city-county councilor facing child molestation charges has issued a statement.
Jeffrey Miller, who has not yet stepped down despite calls from party leaders to do so, issued this statement on Tuesday afternoon:
I wanted to reach out to everyone with a few thoughts. As has been reported by the news, I have entered a plea of not guilty in my case, but otherwise cannot discuss the details. But I did want to address why I am remaining in my council seat. When I ran for council in 2011, it was for one reason only…to give a voice to those who felt they didn’t have a voice. As a former neighborhood president, I knew firsthand how it can be difficult to navigate city and county government. I also heard about areas where people felt enough wasn’t being done to protect the quality of life we all desire.
So I have used that voice to push for the issues the district has requested: accountability for slumlords, programs to abate graffiti, laws to protect against metal theft (HVAC coils, catalytic converters), infrastructure repairs of our neighborhood streets and sidewalks, abandoned housing repairs, foreclosed home maintenance, etc. I love fighting for the issues that impact you, whether big or small. Some view the council as a way to gain power, such as being on certain committees or holding certain titles. No, the council is not about having power, but about having a voice and to use that voice to speak for those we represent.
The only thing I love more than giving you a voice, is being the father of my wonderful son. And so I look forward to continuing to pursue both of these passions to the best of my ability.
Miller, a Republican, has faced calls from Republican leaders to resign.
Miller was charged in mid-November. He appeared in court Monday afternoon for an initial hearing.
Later on Monday, appeared at a council meeting. He was removed and replaced on several committees.
Jeff Miller’s next court date is a pretrial hearing set for 9 a.m. March 16.