Former Schneider Regional Medical Center head Rodney E. Miller Sr. pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges that he, through his attorney, attempted to have false evidence admitted during a February 2009 trial in which Miller was accused of lying on his job application to the hospital.
Miller appeared in Magistrate Court on St. Thomas last week to be advised of his rights, and by then, had already posted the $10,000 set at the time of his arrest. On Thursday, he was quickly arraigned, with his attorney William Glore requesting a bench trial, instead of a jury trial.
Miller turned himself into authorities last week, based on an arrest warrant that was issued early this month. During his advice of rights hearing, Magistrate Court Judge Kathleen Mackay upheld Miller’s bail conditions, but said, among other things, that he would not be able to travel anywhere other than the territory or Florida without letting the court or probation office know.
In this case, Miller is charged with one count each of preparing false evidence, offering false documents in evidence and attempted fraudulent claims upon the government, which Mackay has said carries a total maximum sentence of 12 years in prison, along with $2,500 in fines.
During Thursday’s arraignment, Magistrate Court Judge Alan Smith assigned the case to V.I. Superior Court Judge Michael C. Dunston and set the dates for discovery, motions, responses and pleas, which begin next month.
Miller, along with three of his former hospital colleagues, is awaiting trial on a separate set of charges ranging from embezzlement to perjury.
