Teen convicted in “Niles Five sextortion” case back in court

A Niles teenager who was one of five convicted in the “Niles five sextortion” case in 2011 was back in court this week facing several probation violations.

Martell Miller, 19, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Berrien County Trial Court to accusations that he violated probation by maintaining an active Facebook account, failing to pay fines and court costs, failing to complete a mental health assessment and failing to be at an approved residence for a scheduled phone call in February.

A probation violation hearing has been set for Miller for a later date before Judge Scott Schofield, who sentenced Miller to a year in jail and three years probation Jan. 30, 2012.

Miller was the only one convicted in the “sextortion” case to not receive a prison sentence. Miller benefitted from a favorable plea bargain that dismissed the most serious charge of criminal sexual conduct in return for Miller pleading guilty to attempted assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder.

Miller is one of five Niles teenagers involved in a sex video extortion scandal in March 2011, in which a 17-year-old girl was unknowingly videotaped having sex with co-defendant Martise Washington. The recording was then used to blackmail the girl into sexual acts with some of the defendants.

Court documents allege Miller violated terms of his probation by failing to make any payments since being released from jail. He is obligated to pay $2,360 at a rate of $110 per month.

He is also accused of failing to complete a mental health assessment, missing appointments on Dec. 5, Jan. 23 and Feb. 20.

Miller is also alleged to have not been at home for a scheduled phone call on or about Feb. 14. He is listed as living in Kalamazoo.

If Miller is found guilty of violating his probation, he could be sent to prison for up to five years.

His bond was set at $5,000 cash or surety.

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