UConn professor investigated for alleged child molestation

Robert Miller, 66, a University of Connecticut music professor is the subject of a criminal investigation into decades-old allegations that he molested children. Miller was placed on administrative leave June 21, 2013 and has been barred from campus, officials said. less Robert Miller, 66, a University of Connecticut music professor is the subject of a criminal investigation into decades-old allegations that he molested children. Miller was placed on administrative leave June ... more Photo: Contributed Photo Photo: Contributed Photo Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close UConn professor investigated for alleged child molestation 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A University of Connecticut music professor is the subject of a criminal investigation into decades-old allegations that he molested children, including boys attending a camp for children with cancer.

Robert Miller, 66, was placed on administrative leave June 21 and has been barred from campus, officials said.

Computers in Miller's university office and his home have been seized as part of the investigation. He has not been charged.

A Virginia native, Miller is also the focus of a child molestation case in that state, officials said. Some of the allegations against Miller, who twice headed UConn's music department, date back to 1996.

"Allegations involving crimes against children are both profoundly disturbing and heartbreaking," said UConn President Susan Herbst. "Although these allegations, which have been made public, appear to be unrelated to UConn, the university continues to do all it can to assist law enforcement. There have also been unsubstantiated, non-specific reports regarding UConn students, which the university is investigating under Title IX.''

The allegations were made in a letter to Brid Grant, dean of the School of Fine Arts, on Feb. 13 and are detailed in a search warrant affidavit filed June 20 in state Superior Court in Rockville. Accusations were also made against Miller in 2011, university officials said Monday.

Another complaint was made to the university's Title IX coordinator on June 26 under UConn's sexual assault policy.

Officials have not said whether that report also pertains to Miller.

Miller was director of volunteer services for the Hole in the Wall Camp in Ashford, founded by Paul Newman for children with cancer. He was also a member of a 1991 delegation to Ukraine for the Children of Chernobyl Rescue Fund.

More Information About the case

University of Connecticut officials have created a website with links to relevant documents in the case: http://www.uconn.edu/public-notification/

The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp released a statement to the Associated Press that didn't mention Miller by name, but said it was aware of the investigation of a former staff member who was affiliated with the camp from 1989 to 1992, the same years Miller worked there.

It declined further comment.

State Police said the parents of the boys who attended the camp and allege they were molested by Miller found out about the accusations and told camp officials, who then fired Miller.

State police say the accusers at the camp allege they stayed overnight at Miller's house several times and he often would make them take off their clothes, saying he had to check them for ticks and bruises. All the boys suffered from hemophilia, a bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn't clot normally, state police said.

Whether the earlier complaints against Miller were investigated was unclear Monday. Attorney General George Jepsen's staff issued a request for proposals for a special counsel to assist with an independent review of how these accusations were handled in the past.

The special counsel will report directly to the UConn Board of Trustees, rather than the administration, to ensure the independence of the inquiry, officials said.

"Our primary interest is in protecting children, students and the community, as well as aiding possible victims and bringing facts to light," said Lawrence McHugh, chairman of the UConn Board of Trustees. "These allegations are deeply disturbing and require a very deliberate, comprehensive response that is both thorough and as transparent as possible. The Board of Trustees and the university must treat these matters with the utmost care and seriousness."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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