Former teacher pleads no contest

A former Centreville teacher averted trial on more than 100 charges of criminal sexual conduct Tuesday.
Terry Miller, 47, pleaded no contest to one count of attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct before St. Joseph County 45th Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman.
As part of the plea agreement all other charges will be dismissed. The prosecution also recommended no up-front jail time, but probation. Miller will also have to register as a sex offender for 25 years.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough praised the three victims for their courage, adding he is relieved they won’t have to testify. Two of the victims testified during a preliminary hearing in September 2015.
Miller remains free on $75,000 bond as he awaits an August sentencing.
He was originally charged with eight counts of criminal sexual conduct, but that was amended to more than 100 charges at his preliminary hearing. The charges dated to 2012, when the victims were in eighth grade.
Miller, who was a junior high teacher, was terminated from his position a year ago.