Transient pleads not guilty to sexual abuse charge

A 60-year-old transient pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to a felony charge of sexual abuse of children.

Rodney Royce Miller, a registered sexual offender, was allegedly caught looking at child pornography in his van by a federal probation and parole officer on Sept. 21.

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

The document states that several images of child pornography were found on Miller’s computer, which he confirmed, estimating he had about 100 of the images. He also reportedly said when he looked at them he thought about touching children again.

If convicted, 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.

His next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 16, 2013.