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.

Leader Columnists

Cains: Opinion is not news

Crime/Court

Niles man gets probation for sending explicit photo to minor

Community News

Dowagiac, Edwardsburg drama programs nominated for WAVE Awards

Business

Zolman Tire hosts Student Leadership Award ceremony

Columns

APPLEGATE: Providing a comprehensive and accessible learning environment for all students

Crime/Court

Niles man gets prison time on drug charges

Community News

AMVETS Post 1978 hosts annual Blessing of the Bikes event

Letters to the Editor

Vote ‘yes’ May 7 for Bobcats

Business

JC’s Grill opens in Niles Township

Cass County

Cass County high school students invited to participate in design contest

Dowagiac

Sanitary sewer overflow reported in Dowagiac

Community News

Dowagiac Area History Museum Spring Lecture Series continues this week with Ring Lardner spotlight

Cass County

Dowagiac teen sentenced for resisting police

Dowagiac

Two hospitalized after two-vehicle Howard Township crash

Community News

Rotary president named Paul Harris Fellow

Berrien County

New public administrator appointed in Berrien County

Community News

Niles teen delivers 300+ tree saplings on Earth Day

Letters to the Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Vote Michael Majerek for county commissioner

Local Government

Niles City Council approves Memorial Day Parade

Community News

City council talks PrideFest, approves housing grant

Community News

Dowagiac Middle School to host inaugural Mother’s Day Market, Craft Fair Saturday

Brandywine Education

Michigan Supreme Court hears case at SMC

Community News

Dowagiac first responders, school staff honored for life-saving actions

Community News

2024 Dowagiac Music in The Park lineup, vendors announced