An Ash Flat man already in custody on multiple child exploitation charges now faces an additional charge of rape, according to recent court filings.
Austin Dakota Miller, 30, has been incarcerated since March on charges that include three counts of first-degree computer exploitation of a child, three counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, and 11 counts of distributing, possessing, or viewing sexually explicit material involving a child. These charges stemmed from a February report to Ash Flat police alleging that Miller sent explicit materials to a 13-year-old. Investigators reported that a forensic analysis of Miller's phone corroborated the claim, and Miller admitted to the exchange during an interview, according to an arrest affidavit.
The new charge of rape is classified as a Class Y felony, the most serious category of crime under Arkansas law, other than capital offenses. Additionally, Miller has been charged with fourth-degree sexual assault. These allegations arise from a statement made by a now-16-year-old during a March interview with investigators. The individual alleged that Miller sexually assaulted them approximately four years ago while he was babysitting.
Court records indicate that when questioned about the new accusations, Miller’s account changed multiple times before he ultimately stated he could not recall details of the incident. Investigators noted parallels between this case and evidence collected during the earlier investigation, including similarities in the age of the alleged victim and the nature of questions Miller reportedly asked in online communications with other juveniles discovered on his phone.
Miller remains in custody on a $100,000 bond as legal proceedings continue.