Justine Bradley Miller, a 35-year-old from Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced on April 30 to serve between 17 and 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor, according to a May 4 announcement by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The sentencing took place in the 28th Circuit Court in Wexford County before visiting Judge Charles Hamlyn.
Miller had previously pled guilty in January to charges including First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Child Sexually Abusive Activity, and Third-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct. The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to pursue fugitives accused of serious crimes across state lines.
According to the statement, Miller began abusing a 15-year-old girl in Wexford County during the fall of 2016 and exchanged explicit images with her. The investigation involved both the Cadillac Police Department and Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit over several years. Although Miller was charged by local prosecutors in October 2017, he remained at large until his arrest in Kentucky as part of Operation Survivor Justice—a partnership among the Michigan Department of Attorney General, county prosecutors, and the U.S. Marshals Service focused on apprehending fugitives with outstanding sexual assault warrants.
“After 10 years, I hope this sentence brings the survivor in this case the closure she deserves,” said Attorney General Nessel. “Victims should not have to wait this long for justice, and my office remains committed to working with our Operation Survivor Justice partners to ensure offenders are held accountable.”
The victim provided an impact statement that read: “Today I find freedom in having the chance to speak my truth after 10 years of living with what happened to me… I will be loud about your name and what you did to me… You will have to register what you are, and everyone will know.” She added: “I forgive you for what you did to me but don’t mistake that for leniency… if another girl speaks out about you I will be right next to her helping her voice be heard.” Upon release from prison, Miller is required by law to undergo lifetime electronic monitoring and register as a sex offender.