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Arson, burglary suspect to get substance abuse evaluation

One of Randolph County's more complicated stories will get another interesting chapter.

Kenneth Miller Jr., who is in Randolph County Jail for two different cases that are being tracked together, will receive an evaluation from the Treatment Assessment Screening Center (TASC) to determine his need for substance abuse treatment.

The 35-year-old Miller, of Percy, appeared in court on July 20 for a case management conference with his attorneys, public defender James Kelley and private attorney Thomas Mansfield - who are representing their shared client in separate cases.

The attorneys jointly requested the evaluation in front of Circuit Court Judge Richard A. Brown and stated they are looking into getting the evaluation done privately, as the evaluation otherwise may not occur until Aug. 24.

"I don't think that there's any doubt both these cases are related to substance issues," Mansfield said to Brown.

Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker did not seem to have an issue with the defense request, which was granted by Brown.

"I certainly feel it is within their rights," he said.

Mansfield, who is representing Miller in the case involving the alleged burglary of the Scuttle Inn Lounge at Pyramid Oaks Golf Course and alleged arson of a house Miller co-owned on Green Street on Steeleville's east side, also made an oral motion to withdraw his previously-filed motion to suppress.

That motion was filed May 5 by Mansfield and sought to suppress statements, including his client's alleged confession, that Miller made during two interviews with police on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

In the two-page motion, Mansfield claimed that Miller's statements were not voluntary due to sleep deprivation and a lack of his client's understanding of Miranda rights. But during last week's hearing, Mansfield withdrew the motion "in light of evidence received."

Kelley's participation in the case comes as a result of a burglary charge Miller is facing after being arrested June 2 on suspicion of burglarizing a residence on North Meadow Lane on Steeleville's north side.

Miller had been out on bond on his first case at the time of his June arrest by Steeleville Police. Walker previously told the Herald Tribune he had extended an offer to the defense that he felt would resolve both cases, and he was asked for an update on that after the July 20 hearing.

"I anticipate we will have something by the next time we're in court," Walker said.

The parties are due back in court on Aug. 31 at 9:30 a.m. for another status hearing. Prior to being escorted from the courtroom, Miller asked his attorneys for a phone call.

Walker allowed the request, but warned Miller that the call would be recorded.