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A Los Angeles basketball coach is accused of inappropriately touching and secretly filming players who used the bathroom at his home. Michael Miller, 50, is the owner of the Los Angeles College Preparatory Academy, a program for aspiring basketball players, which he operates out of his home in Gardena.
The LAPD's Juvenile Division's Sexually Exploited Child Unit (SECU) had been investigating Miller since last November after four players reported that they had been recorded in Miller's home without their prior knowledge, according to an LAPD press release. The students, all from out-of-state, told police they found a camera hidden inside a clock in Miller's bathroom. LAPD Det. Daniel Aguirre said the students removed the camera's memory card and handed it over to police, and the footage from the camera is now being used as evidence, the L.A. Times reports. Three of the players also allege that Miller touched them against their will. Initially, the LAPD believed that minors could be involved, however, further investigation determined that Miller only filmed adults.
Miller started Los Angeles College Preparatory Academy in 2012 after being dismissed from his position as a men's basketball coach at LACC. In 2009, he was accused of destroying documents and clearing his hard drive during a fraud investigation of his department and was put on administrative leave. Miller appealed, but LACC no longer has a basketball program.
Miller has been charged with one count of sexual battery and eight counts of illegally filming the players. He was arrested yesterday and released on a bail $50,000 bail.
Anyone with any more information can call the LAPD at 213-485-0580 or file anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
