A former Sarnia youth basketball coach now living in Penticton, B.C. has been arrested on historical sexual assault charges, Sarnia Police said Thursday.
“Earlier this year, the Sarnia Police Service Criminal Investigations Division received a complaint regarding historical sexual offences (1989),” a news release stated. “These offences occurred during a period where the accused volunteered as a youth basketball coach.
“The victim, now an adult, was a young person at the time.”
As a result of the investigation, James (Jim) Miller, 59, has been charged with two counts of sexual interference and and two counts of sexual assault on a person under 16 years of age.
The Sarnia Police Service obtained a Canada-wide warrant for Miller’s arrest, and, on Thursday Aug. 1, he was arrested by members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Penticton detachment. Miller was scheduled to appear by video in Sarnia court, Thursday.
Miller, who also worked as a sports reporter at The Sarnia Observer, was previously acquitted of sexual assault charges stemming from his time with the St. Clair Mini-Colts basketball team, according to court documents, media reports and confirmation from the Sarnia Police Service.
Miller currently serves as a councillor for the City of Penticton, where he is now on a mandatory leave of absence, according to a news release issued Thursday.
Last summer, Miller was asked not to attend public events after news of his past charges resurfaced, but Penticton council ultimately considered the matter ‘closed’ and encouraged Miller to return to events on behalf of the City.
He has also served as the managing editor of the Penticton Herald since 2008.
Miller's election to council prompted ethics concerns from the union representing some of the Herald's employees, though Miller ensured his position with the city would not impact coverage at the newspaper.
According to the City of Penticton website, Miller moved to the Okanagan area from Spruce Grove, Alberta in 2008; he was first elected to council in a by-election 2021, and re-elected to a full-term in 2022.
The Journal has reached out to the Penticton Herald for comment.
The investigation is ongoing and the Sarnia Police Service would like to speak with anyone who may have additional information or may be a victim. Please contact the Sarnia Police Service, Criminal Investigations Division and speak with Detective Constable Andrew Veale, (519)344-8861 x6231.