Case against former teacher continues

Both sides in the criminal sexual conduct case against a former Centreville teacher said it’s possible they could reach resolution before a trial begins later this month.
Neither Van Buren County Prosecutor Michael Bedford, who is acting as special prosecutor, nor Julia Kelly, defense counsel for Terry Miller, would comment regarding the status of discussions to settle the case prior to trial.
But both sides told St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman at a status conference Thursday that they are prepared to go to trial later this month if talks reach an impasse.
Miller was arrested in August 2015 after three female students at Centreville Public Schools alleged he had hugged and touched them inappropriately. He was charged with second- and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He pleaded not guilty to the charges and subsequently resigned from his teaching position.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough later recused his office from the case, saying a staff member had publicly supported Miller and is related to a potential defense witness. The Michigan Attorney General appointed Bedford as special prosecutor to take over the case.