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Dem senator of Rhode Island arrested, ordered to pay restitution

By: The Horn editorial team

Last month, state Sen. Josh Miller, D-R.I., was arrested after he keyed a car with a “Biden sucks” bumper sticker.

On Tuesday, Miller was sentenced… and he was ordered to pay restitution.

Some Rhode Islanders have criticized the plea deal as far too lenient.

“Miller, who has been in office since 2006, pled no contest during his arraignment and was ordered to pay $2,850 in restitution to the owner of the vehicle together with a $250 donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank,” the Daily Mail reported.

The Boston Globe reported that Miller could expunge the crime from his record after a year of good behavior.

Miller initially denied the allegations and then claimed self-defense. He told police on the day of the incident, “I thought he was a gun nut. I thought he was threatening me… I’m a state senator. I think he recognized me.”

However, Miller has since claimed responsibility.

“I am truly sorry for my actions in this matter and I am disappointed in my behavior and lack of judgment,” Miller told reporters outside the courthouse. In a blink of an eye, I have exhibited a lack of self-control that has impacted my reputation. For that, I only have myself to blame, as I am solely responsible for what led to today’s court proceedings,” Miller said.

He described the incident as out of character.

“All I can ask is that I be judged on how I have comported myself throughout my life as a husband, father, business owner, lawyer, and public servant,” Miller told reporters. “I offer my sincere apologies.”

“It’s another case of politics as usual in the Ocean State,” Rhode Island Republican Party Chair Joe Powers told Fox News on Thursday. “In pure Rhode Island political fashion, another Democrat gets off with a slap on the wrist and retains his chairmanship of the powerful Health and Human Services Committee and committee assignments with no recourse.”

Miller is facing calls to resign, and he is still weighing the decision.

“Not at this point,” Miller said, fielding questions about whether to resign any leadership roles in the state Senate. “After I talk to be constituents and my colleagues, I’ll be certain of that [whether to remain in the legislature].”

Miller declined to comment on the “gun nuts” allegedly stalking him.

 

June flashback! Top Dem senator arrested for… what!?

 

The Horn editorial team