Herbert Miller: Connecticut pastor accused of meth dealing from church rectory flees from courtroom
WOODBURY, CONNECTICUT: Herbert Miller, the 63-year-old reverend of Woodbury United Methodist Church in Connecticut, has become embroiled in a methamphetamine dealing scandal out of his church's rectory that prompted him to flee from the courtroom.
Miller was arrested earlier this month after being pulled over by state troopers in Woodbury, leading to a subsequent investigation.
He attended his arraignment at Waterbury Superior Court on Friday morning, February 23, but the situation took a dramatic turn when he walked out of the courtroom during a break at around 10 am. Authorities, unable to locate the pastor, promptly re-issued a warrant for his arrest.
Pastor Herbert Miller's arrest exposes drug possession
The initial arrest stemmed from an incident where state troopers observed Miller operating his vehicle with a suspended registration. Upon further inspection, they found him in possession of crystal methamphetamine in both rock and liquid forms, with the latter discovered in a hypodermic needle, suggesting potential injection use.
Disturbingly, reports suggest that Miller may have been involved in meth distribution in exchange for voyeuristic activities involving gay couples, though this allegation remains unverified by reputable sources, reported Daily Mail.
Law enforcement acted on a tip regarding the reverend's alleged illegal activities, leading to his apprehension with the assistance of a cooperating witness who facilitated a drug deal.
What are the charges against Pastor Herbert Miller?
The reverend, who joined the Woodbury Church in July of the previous year, now faces charges of possession of narcotics with intent to sell, possession of a controlled substance, and use of drug paraphernalia.
Released on $10,000 bail, Miller was ordered to appear before a judge in Waterbury Superior Court on Friday. However, following his courtroom escape, he is now expected to return on Monday, February 26, pending re-arrest by local authorities.
Who is Pastor Herbert Miller?
Before his tenure at Woodbury Methodist, Miller served as the pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Shelton, Connecticut. From 2004 to 2018, he worked at the Park Slope United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, where he led the congregation's popular Sunday Dinner Program and supported the church's involvement in the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011.
The Woodbury United Methodist Church has distanced itself from Miller, removing him from its website, although the status of his employment remains unclear. Several of his past sermons can still be found on the congregation's YouTube page. In these recordings, he notably appears to be missing some of his bottom teeth.
