A circuit court jury convicted Miller of the four felony counts in April. The court case stemmed from a June 2019 incident that occurred in Jefferson Township, seven miles west of Winamac.
Special Judge Jeanene Calabrese pronounced sentence May 28. The defendant was represented by attorney Tim Lemon.
Miller was convicted of possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, resisting law enforcement, unlawful possession of a syringe, and possession of methamphetamine; in addition to the sentencing enhancement for pointing a firearm at law enforcement officers.
The state presented its argument for Miller’s sentence at the May 28 hearing, Gaumer said. Law enforcement witnesses recounted their attempt to serve a felony arrest warrant on Miller in June 2019. Miller had evaded law enforcement officers for over two years on the warrant that was issued in January 2017.
Former Pulaski County deputy sheriff Branson Eber testified he identified Miller during surveillance leading up to the arrest. When both he and Winamac officer Alec Berger identified themselves and confronted him, Miller fled. Eber commanded Miller to stop. Instead, Miller pointed a sawed-off pistol directly at Eber and pulled the trigger. Once Miller realized his firearm had malfunctioned, he discarded the firearm and surrendered. Officers further recovered additional bullets from Miller’s pockets and syringes and pipes for the use of smoking methamphetamine.
“Our community’s safety today is only possible through the heroic acts of the law enforcement officers involved, “Gaumer said. “The officers courageously put their personal safety aside to apprehend the serious violent felon. During the pursuit, Miller pointed a gun at them and these officers put the lives of their community first. We should all be extremely grateful for those who put their lives on the line every day in their commitment to keep us safe.”
For the underlying felony offenses, Miller will initially serve 14.5 years in the state department of correction. His pointing a firearm at officers tacked on an additional 20 years in prison for a total of 34.5 years.
“Markus Miller will justifiably be in prison for a long time, and our community is safer because of it,” Gaumer said. “Justice has been achieved here, and Miller will rightfully be held accountable for his actions.”
