A 69 year old Spring Garden man has been sentenced to prison on sexual abuse charges.

According to a news release from District Attorney Mike O’Dell on April 29th Steven Arnold Miller appeared before Circuit Judge Shaunathan Bell – and entered pleas to three separate counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.   

He was then sentenced by Judge Bell, to serve a prison term of ten years for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.    

Pursuant to that plea agreement, Miller had waived any right to apply for probation, and he commenced serving his sentence immediately.

District Attorney O’Dell attributed the convictions to the efforts of that dedicated team who conducted the investigation, assigned to the Major Crimes Unit; he praised the hard work of all those in that unit for their hard work, dedication, and ability to investigate crimes of this nature to bring offenders to justice, thereby giving victims some closure.

According to O’Dell (quote) “…the victim’s family was in court to witness the culmination of their journey toward justice.  Again, I’m very grateful for the fortitude that they have shown throughout this process.  Investigator Tony Monroy was instrumental in that investigation, which resulted in the plea and conviction.” (end-quote)

The Cherokee County Major Crimes Unit was formed in 2014 through the combined efforts of the 9th Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Centre, Leesburg and Cedar Bluff Police Departments.