Sex offender faces new felony charge

A registered sexual offender recently was caught viewing child pornography in his van in Kalispell.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, Rodney Miller was sitting in his van — in which he lives — on Sept. 21 when a federal probation and parole officer walked up to check on Miller. When the officer approached, he saw what he believed to be pornographic images of children.

A court document stated that when the officer spoke with Miller, Miller admitted visiting child-porn websites.

A later scan of Miller’s computer allegedly discovered numerous images of child pornography. The court document states Miller told law enforcement that he liked the younger ones, and his favorite picture featured a girl between the age of 10 and 12.

Miller also estimated he had 100 of the images, and that when he watched them, he thought about touching children again.

According to the court document, Miller has multiple arrests for felony sexual assault, including a conviction for molesting an 11-year-old girl. Miller’s most recently registered transient address was adjacent to a day care.

The court document alleges Miller told police that although he felt he would likely have to go to prison, he would rather die in a gunfight.

He was arrested Sept. 25 on a felony charge of sexual abuse of children and was incarcerated in the Flathead County Detention Center.

If convicted of the charge, Miller faces up to 100 years in prison and would not be eligible for parole for the first 25 years. In addition, up to the first 25 years cannot be suspended or deferred. He could also be fined up to $50,000.

Miller’s arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 18.