L0824-104 (12x18)
Miller Sentenced
<bt>A Loudoun Circuit Court judge sentenced an
Ashburn man to 15 years in jail Friday, Aug. 19, for the April 2004 physical abuse his then girlfriend's 23-month-old baby, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.
Daniel Robert Miller Jr., 28, was charged in May 2004 with felony child abuse and malicious wounding after investigators determined he was involved in the abuse of the baby boy.
In April, a Loudoun jury found Miller guilty of both charges after a nearly five-day trial. The jury recommended Miller serve a total of 20 years in prison, 10 years on each charge.
During Friday's sentencing, Judge James H. Chamblin sentenced Miller to two 10-year terms, to be served consecutively, with five years suspended from the malicious wounding charge. However, should Miller commit another crime within the next 30 years, the time will be reinstated.
In April of 2004, the mother brought the baby to Loudoun Hospital with bruises and burn marks on his body. The mother told authorities she returned home from work on the night of April 9 and discovered injuries on her child, who had been left in the care of her boyfriend.
Hospital officials contacted the Sheriff's Office and Child Protective Services due to concerns that the child was a victim of abuse.
<sh>Two Fires; One Location
<bt>At 2:49 p.m., Monday, Aug. 15, Loudoun County Fire-Rescue responded to call for a structure fire at 45 Acorn Court in Sterling. Upon arrival, the units found heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the structure. Due to the volume of fire and recent ambient temperatures, the first arriving unit requested additional units on a second alarm. The fire caused an estimated $150,000 in damage.
There were no reported injuries. One occupant, Carlyle Alford III, 49, was displaced from the residence. The American Red Cross was on the scene and provided assistance.
At 2:48 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 16, Fire-Rescue personnel responded to the same location and found that fire had engulfed the second floor and roof of the structure resulting in an additional $10,000 damage.
The Loudoun County Fire MarshalÕs Office is investigating both fires.
<sh>Vehicle Fires Investigated
<bt>The Loudoun County Fire MarshalÕs Office is investigating a series of vehicles fires that occurred in the business district of Sterling Park Wednesday, Aug. 10 and Friday, Aug. 12. Damage estimates from these fires, which range from minor to extensive, is approximately $14,000. All of the fires occurred in the overnight hours. The Fire MarshalÕs Office is asking that anyone with information about the fires or person(s) that may be involved in the fires to contact them at 703-777-0333.