Scott Douglas Miller, a former teacher at Prescott High School, has pleaded guilty to multiple counts related to the sexual exploitation of a minor. The 40 year old man entered his guilty plea on Monday, changing his previous stance in a case that involves the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
According to the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, Miller admitted to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The office announced that he will be sentenced to a flat time prison term ranging from 10 to 24 years. A flat time sentence means that Miller will not be eligible for early release based on good behavior during his incarceration.
Beyond his prison term, Miller is required to register as a sex offender. He will also serve a period of lifetime sex offender probation after he completes his sentence in prison. The sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for November 23.
The investigation into Miller began in December 2024. Detectives initiated the probe after a computer used in an undercover operation by Homeland Security Investigations received three videos depicting child sexual abuse. The files originated from an individual located in the Prescott area, who was subsequently identified as Miller.
Authorities indicated that Miller had been accessing such material over a span of several years. Prosecutors clarified that none of the children depicted in the videos were students at Prescott High School or residents of Yavapai County.
Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane issued a statement regarding the plea. He expressed hope that the lengthy flat time sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who seek or trade similar images on the internet.
McGrane also used the occasion to urge the state Legislature to consider a new law. He proposed that the death penalty should be a possible sentence for anyone who sexually harms a child. The attorney specifically encouraged Arizonans to support this legislative change, particularly in severe cases where the offender holds a position of trust in society.
In his statement, McGrane listed examples of such trusted positions, including teachers, lawyers, medical professionals, and police officers. He asked fellow Arizonans to join him in asking legislators to make the death penalty a possibility in these egregious circumstances.
Miller’s case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals who exploit children through digital media. The resolution of his plea brings the case closer to its final stages, with the formal sentencing set for late November.
