A Chesterton Police officer, who is on paid leave, was being treated for a mental health issue before his felony arrest for allegedly assaulting a pregnant woman on New Year’s Eve.
That revelation came during the initial hearing for Ryan Joseph Miller in Porter Superior Court 2 Monday morning.
Miller, 32, is charged with two Level 5 felonies of domestic battery and strangulation, which accuse him of assaulting a pregnant woman at his Portage house. The woman is 25 weeks pregnant.
During his hearing via video feed from the Porter County Jail, Miller admitted that he has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
Attorney Jesse Harper, who is representing Miller, said that his client recently learned of his diagnosis.
When Miller is released, his sister will be taking him for further evaluation at Franciscan Health, Harper said.
Judge Jeffrey Clymer entered preliminary not guilty pleas to the two felony charges on behalf of Miller.
The judge approved an agreement between Harper and Assistant Porter County Prosecutor Kire Pavlovski that bond be set at $2,000 cash. Harper said that Miller’s sister has agreed to post the bond.
In addition, Judge Clymer ordered that Miller have no contact with the victim.
As part of the no-contact order, Miller is also not permitted to possess firearms.
Harper said that the firearms will be removed from Miller’s home and stored at the home of Miller’s father. Miller will be staying at his sister’s residence.
Judge Clymer granted Harper’s request for a hearing to consider a modification of the no-contact order involving the victim. That hearing is set for 9 a.m. Jan. 13 in Porter Superior Court 2.
The victim told Portage Police that there had been prior incidents involving Miller assaulting her over the previous months, according to a police report.
On New Year’s Eve, Miller is accused of grabbing the woman by the shoulders and throwing her against a wall. Then, Miller placed his hands around her neck and applied pressure, causing the woman to experience difficulty breathing, a court document states.
Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson in early December had placed Miller, who holds the rank of corporal, on paid administrative leave. The chief said he couldn’t discuss the reason why, citing the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act law that restricts the release of information.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.