Police seek public’s help in finding Cape man accused of sex crimes involving children
A Cape Coral man has been added to the Crime Stoppers 10 Most Wanted list.
Anthony Richard Miller, 46, faces charges of lewd and lascivious conduct, the solicitation of sexual activity with a child, and lewd and lascivious molestation, which is considered a life felony.
Miller, who is described by more than one victim as a bully with a drug habit and a fiery temper, is accused of forcing himself upon at least one young victim multiple times between March 2012 and March 2013, according to a prepared statement issued by Crime Stoppers.
During that time, the girl said Miller would touch her inappropriately, often times leaving bruises, the release states. The child reportedly told officials that when Miller became angry, she was ordered to touch him in a lewd manner.
In addition to those actions, detectives learned that Miller had also attacked an adult female on several occasions, leaving scars and black eyes, often times apologizing later and, at one point, even offering to buy everyone a pizza to make up for his behavior. He also kept the adult victim from seeking help by either taking away her cell phone or simply not permitting her to leave the residence. When the violent outbursts occurred, reports state that Miller’s response was simply “That’s what happens when you’re not good to your man.”
Also affected in his tirades were other children, also under the age of 12, who were allegedly exposed to either verbal, mental or physical abuse. Miller is accused of throwing his cat against the wall on several occasions, and telling young children that he would split their heads open and bury them in the backyard if they ever told anyone what he was doing. One of the younger victims, who was hesitant to come forward initially, told investigators that her body felt “bad” and that she felt guilty over what was taking place with Miller.
Once the charges came to light, and detectives had an opportunity to speak with Miller, he denied the allegations and retorted that he’d been trying to stay clean and had been reading the Bible, according to Crime Stoppers. When a warrant for his arrest was finally issued, however, Miller went into hiding.
Now, Crime Stoppers has turned the community to help track Miller down.
“Mr. Miller is accused of committing acts that are stomach turning to any parent,” said Trish Routte, Crime Stoppers coordinator in the statement. “If he has nothing to hide, we would encourage him to turn himself in immediately. However the mere fact that he’s hiding from the law tells us that perhaps he has something to hide or be ashamed about. Anyone with the capacity to hurt, threaten or injure a young child is a person who needs help, and who certainly needs to be removed from our neighborhoods and relocated to the confines of a jail cell.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Anthony Miller is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at www.swflcrimestoppers.org or by texting a tip to CRIMES (274637) Keyword: REWARD.
Source: Crime Stoppers