John Chiv: Matthew Miller charged in July case, no charges yet for June arrest

Sep 10, 2024

Matthew Miller charged in July case, no charges yet for June arrest

Matthew Russell Miller was arrested on 6/18 by Arcata Police Department for PC 261(a)(3) rape of an intoxicated or unconscious victim. He posted bond.

Miller was arrested again on July 8 by HCSO for PC 245(a)(1) assault with a deadly weapon and PC 417(a)(1) brandishing a weapon or firearm.

He has a 2016 conviction in a DUI case and a 2019 conviction in an assault and battery case.

I have been checking to see if charges were filed. No charges filed for June arrest.

Finally on 8/30, DA filed charges for July arrest. Arraignment is on 9/26. Alleged victim is Jesse Torrance. Miller is charged with two felonies and one misdemeanor.

After this September 18 post was published, DA also filed charges for June arrest.

9/26: Arraigned on two cases; Mr. Joe Judge appointed to represent Miller. 10/1 OR bail on 10/1; preliminary hearing on 10/23.

CR2402654:

This case is for the July arrest. Charged by DA with 3 counts: assault, battery and brandishing a weapon. Alleged victims Jesse Torrance and Kayla Gill.

CR2402768 :

This case for June arrest. DA charged one count of rape of an intoxicated or unconscious victim.

10/1: OR bail continued to 10/15. Preliminary hearing on 10/23.

10/15: Miller remanded in court, defense made motion to continue, by stipulation 10/23 date vacated and preliminary in CR2402654 rescheduled to 11/22/24.

11/22: In CR2402654, the case for the July arrest, preliminary hearing continued to 1/24/25 because Miller's attorney, Joe Judge is ill and due to new discovery. CR2402768, the case is for the June arrest, 10/15 date off calendar, 10/23 date was vacated and preliminary hearing also continued to 1/24/25.

1/24/25: Preliminary hearing for both cases continued to contd to 3/5/25 because Joe Judge is sick.

3/5/25: Prelim for both cases continued by court to 3/7.

3/7/25: Preliminary hearings for both cases continued by defense to 3/20 since Mr. Joe Judge is ill.

3/20/25: Both preliminary hearings continued by defense to 5/16/25 due to outstanding discovery by DOJ. This is the 7th continuance.

5/16 /25: 8th continuance; preliminary hearing continued by defense, Mr.Joe Judge to 6/25. There has only been one continuance by the court, 1 by the DA and six, so far by defense.

6/25/25: Preliminary hearing in both cases and 9th continuance by defense to 8/1 due to medical issue. Miller's appearance waived.

8/1/25: The 10th continuance by defense for preliminary hearing in both cases. Setting of preliminary hearing on 8/13.

8/13/25: Continued by defense to 8/19 for setting of preliminary hearing + confirmation of counsel. Joe judge makes motion to withdraw; defendant unable to pay him. Conflict counsel appointed by Judge Lawrence Killoran.

8/19/25: Conflict Counsel confirms. CR2402654 + CR2402768 + third case filed on 6/11/25 CR2501180 Count 1 PC 4502 (a) possession of deadly weapon by prisoner have preliminary hearing scheduled for 9/5.