British Columbia

Penticton, B.C., city councillor faces more historical sex offence charges in Ontario, police say

A Penticton city councillor who was arrested and charged with historical sexual offences this summer is facing new charges after more victims were identified, say police in Sarnia, Ont.

James Miller is facing additional charges after more victims came forward, say police

Penticton city councillor James Miller, pictured in this municipal election handout photo,  has been arrested and charged with historic sexual offences against youth, in Ontario.
James Miller has been charged with multiple sex offence charges, says the Sarnia Police Service. (Miller4Penticton/Facebook)

A Penticton city councillor who was arrested and charged with historical sexual offences against a youth in Ontario this summer is facing new charges after more victims were identified, say police.

James Miller, who was placed on leave from his political position earlier this year, was arrested on Nov. 8, according to the Sarnia Police Service. The 59-year-old was charged with seven counts of sexual interference, three counts of invitation to sexual touching, and one count of sexual assault.

Miller was previously arrested and charged with two counts of sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault on a person under the age of 16 related to incidents in 1989. Police say the offences occurred when the accused was volunteering as a youth basketball coach.

Sarnia police say the investigation is ongoing and they would like to speak with anyone who may have more information or who may be a victim.

Following his arrest in Penticton, B.C., Miller appeared virtually before a Sarnia court. He was then released with conditions in B.C., according to police.

CBC News reached out to Miller, but he declined to comment.