9/2/11 Uniontown man sentenced in Alford plea on domestic violence charge

  • By Nick Sabo
  • September 2, 2011
  • 326
                        
A Uniontown man was sentenced Thursday Sept. 1 in Holmes County Common Pleas Court for domestic violence and failing to pay child support. Jamie J. Miller, 37, 12898 Cleveland Avenue, was sentenced by visiting Common Pleas Judge David Stucki to two and a half years in prison on charges of domestic violence and non-support of dependents. Stucki further ordered Miller pay restitution for six months of child support payments. The charges carry a total maximum sentence of six and a half years in prison. Miller pleaded guilty to the domestic violence charge but maintained he did not strike the victim. His attorney, Christina Smith, said Miller pleaded because “his fear is he might be found guilty despite his profession of innocence” in a jury trial and face the maximum on the charge, which is five years in prison. Such a plea is known as an Alford plea and allows a defendant to plea without admitting their guilt. The domestic violence charge stems from Jan. 30, when Miller and his girlfriend were seen arguing at a Killbuck bar. According to Prosecuting Attorney Steve Knowling, the bartender saw Miller strike his girlfriend outside the bar. Police were later contacted from a Killbuck residence that evening. The victim, who had a visible bruise on her face and was bleeding, claimed Miller hit her several times. The non-support charge stems from Feb. 1 to Aug. 31, when Miller failed to make monthly court-ordered child support payments. The total arrearage owed is $1,519.70. Also Thursday in Holmes County Common Pleas Court: Kendra D. McVicker, 159 Grant St., Millersburg, was sentenced by Common Pleas Judge Robert D. Rinfret to 180 days in jail on one count of endangering children. The charge stems from March 17, when McVicker was present at a drug buy and had her minor child with her. The buy involved a confidential informant working with local law enforcement.


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