Former Priest Gets 5-year Sentence for Luring Kids

By Lisa Backus
New Britain Herald
August 15, 2013

http://www.newbritainherald.com/articles/2013/08/16/news/doc520d7d720a446506704642.txt

A former Berlin priest, who court officials said used his position “as a man of God” to attempt to lure young boys into having sex, was sentenced Thursday to five years in prison followed by 20 years probation, including a decade as a registered sex offender.

Michael Miller, 43, once affectionately called by parishioners “Father Michael” or “Father Mike,” stood quietly as the mother of one of his victims explained to the court that he had taken advantage of her son at a time when the family was struggling with a prolonged illness.

“He befriended my son with the primary reason of having a sexual relationship with him,” said the woman, only identified in court as “Pat.”

“My son completely trusted Father Michael with his thoughts and feelings.”

Miller’s activities came to light in June 2011 when the woman became uncomfortable with some of the comments her son made about the Franciscan Friar who was serving as a priest at St. Paul Catholic Church.