Miller avoids prison in School Board bribery case

Former St. Landry Parish School Board member John Miller has avoided a prison sentence for seeking a bribe for his vote in the superintendent selection process.
U.S. District Judge Richard Haik on Tuesday sentenced Miller, 72, to 10 months house arrest and fined him $15,000 for taking a $5,000 payment from Joseph Cassimere, who was acting superintendent and seeking the permanent post.
Miller pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery. A co-defendant, Quincy Richard, went to trial and was convicted. He appealed and no sentencing date has been set.
Haik exercised his authority to deviate from guidelines for sentencing in the Miller case, giving him less than the minimum two years prison suggested for such crimes.
According to news reports, the judge cited Miller’s health issues and his long-time service to the community.
Miller testified against Richard.
His guilty pleading and his agreement to testify against Richard also apparently worked in his favor with the judge.