By WMBD TV
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — An attorney for a Chiddix Junior High teacher asked to delay a detention hearing until next Wednesday.
Andrew “Drew” Miller, 41, of Normal, appeared in McLean County Circuit Court on Thursday, after being indicted on 42 charges that included indecent solicitation of a child, grooming and possession of child sex abuse material.
It’s not uncommon for an attorney to ask for a delay as under the Pretrial Fairness Act, detention hearings are akin to a mini-trial. Both sides are entitled to see as much of the evidence as possible and with 42 counts, there could be a lot of material to sift through.
The new hearing will be at 1:30 p.m. on June 24. Until then, Miller remains in the McLean County Jail pending that hearing.
The charges came after a months-long investigation following the report of a person who said they had sent pictures to Miller that were allegedly sexual in nature. Pictures were also sent when the victim was a minor, and Miller held a position of trust or authority, police have said.
On Feb. 18, detectives searched Miller’s workplace, his home in Normal and his vehicle. Several electronic devices were seized and analyzed by the department’s Cyber Crimes Unit.
On Wednesday, June 17, after the indictment was returned, Miller was arrested after a traffic stop near Bunn Street and Hamilton Road in Bloomington, according to police.
If convicted, he faces up to seven years in prison on some counts and up to five years in prison on others. It is not immediately clear if the sentences could be made consecutive.
WMBD TV first reported this story. You can read the original story online at CIProud.com.
