USDOJ PRESS RELEASE: FORMER FLORIDA DEFENSE ATTORNEY PLEADS GUILTY TO OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE

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United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton

Middle District of Florida

Tampa Orlando Jacksonville Ocala Fort Myers



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2009
CONTACT: STEVE COLE
PHONE: (813) 274-6136
FAX: (813) 274-6300
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/flm/pr



FORMER DEFENSE ATTORNEY PLEADS GUILTY TO OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Ocala, Florida - United States Attorney A. Brian Albritton today announced that Raymond C. Miller, 52, of Pompano Beach, has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. The maximum penalty Miller faces is ten years in federal prison.

Miller, a former defense attorney, admitted at his plea hearing that he embezzled or stole $250,000 from a client who was awaiting sentencing on federal drug charges. The client gave Miller the $250,000 to partially satisfy a forfeiture obligation to the United States. Miller obstructed justice by concealing the payment from the court and requesting continuances of his client's sentencing hearing.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Eckhart.