A former police officer who pleaded guilty to fraud escaped jail time yesterday after Justice Anita Allen placed him on probation and ordered him to serve six months of community service for his crimes.
Trevor Miller, 42, pleaded guilty earlier this month to 15 counts of fraud by false pretences.
Miller, who was in possession of a license to import cars from the United States, defrauded 15 persons out of more than $20,000, while he was employed as a member of the police force.
Justice Allen called Miller a disgrace to the force and to himself. However, she said she was convinced that he had seen the error of his ways.
The judge placed Miller on probation for three years for each count of fraud, but those years will run concurrently.
He was also ordered to pay $17,000 within three months to the persons he defrauded back in 1998.
Justice Allen also told the former police officer that he will have to be on good behaviour and also complete community service at a home for the elderly three hours per week.
The judge warned Miller that he would be sentenced to prison if he violated his probation or refused to carry out his community service.
“I am investing in you, Mr. Miller,” the judge said.
“Some people are redeemable, and I believe that you have learnt from your mistakes and that you won’t let it happen again. I hope that you abide by my order and at the end of the day have rehabilitated yourself. Don’t consider this a slap on the wrist and don’t let me down.”
During the sentencing, an officer from the Department of Social Services, who had conducted a report on Miller, was questioned on the content of the report.
Katrina Cleare told the court that persons who know Miller reported that he is helpful and dependable.
Ms Cleare said it was apparent that Miller showed genuine remorse for his crimes.
Edward Turner, attorney for the former police officer, attempted to convince the judge that his client was sorry for his crimes and should not be sentenced to jail.
Mr. Turner asked Justice Allen to consider the content of the social services report. He also asked the judge to consider the fact that Miller pleaded guilty to the charges, thereby avoided wasting the court’s time.
Mr. Turner said Miller was not proud of his action and has suffered much as a result. He was dismissed from the police force, lost his pension rights, and was divorced from his wife, although he has since remarried.
He also told the judge that Miller is now supporting two families, is paying school fees for two of his children in high school and is an active member of his church.
Miller has worked as manager of security at the Wyndham Nassau Resort and Crystal Palace Casino for the last two years.
The attorney pleaded for leniency for his client due to the fact that seven of the 15 persons defrauded had been fully repaid and attempts to satisfy the other debts were being made.
“I ask you to consider all these items during sentencing,” Mr. Turner said.
“He deserves a second chance and has started a new life. He does not deserve a custodial sentence, but should have to serve probation or community service.”
Justice Allen said she considered the fact that Miller didn’t waste the court’s time by pleading guilty. She also took into account that he is an active member of the church, is considered dependable by his wife and others and also the fact that he made attempts to pay off his debts.
Representing the crown during the sentencing were Jacqueline Forbes Foster and Calvin Seymour.
By: Bianca Symonette, The Bahama Journal
