Scranton Cop Sentenced for 2011 Bar Altercation
By: Eric Deabill
Updated: January 8, 2013
Scranton, Lackawanna County - A Scranton police officer, who was arrested in connection with a fight outside a bar two years ago, will not go to prison.
Mark Miller learned his fate Tuesday morning in Lackawanna County.
Miller pleaded guilty to two summary charges, public drunkenness and disorderly conduct.
He could have faced up to 180 days in jail but the judge sentenced him to a $200 fine and 300 hours of community service.
The 33-year-old was initially charged more than 18 months ago in connection with a fight outside the V-Spot bar.
"Other than this situation he has an unblemished record as a police officer for the past 11 years," defense attorney Jason Shrive said. "He has no prior criminal record. He volunteers in the community as a wrestling coach. He helps with his family. He has two children. He really is a good guy that was in a bad situation."
Miller was initially charged with both felony and misdemeanor counts for the altercation. While off-duty, prosecutors initially said Miller assaulted two people in the club's parking lot.
Three of Miller's friends were also charged but over time the most serious charges, including rioting, were either dropped or dismissed.
On the streets, people think it's okay for Miller to get a second chance.
"I believe he should have a second chance. I mean, he's a good guy and everything," Peter Shimkus of Scranton said.
For the last year and a half while the case was pending, Miller was suspended from his job at the Scranton police department. He is now back on the force full-time as an officer.
In court, Miller said he was sorry and wants to put this incident behind him and move on with his life.
"It's been a long time coming. He really is a great police officer. He does his job and doesn't really bother anybody. He just wants to move on and help the people of the city," Shrive said.
When the case first came to light, prosecutors called Miller the aggressor in the fight, dubbing him a "bully with a badge."
All of the other defendants in the case were given fines for their role in the altercation.
