A domestic violence court case whose defendant was employed as a city police officer when charged has been continued until this fall.
Phillip Miller had an initial appearance in Webster County Justice Court on July 7 on the misdemeanor charge of simple assault/domestic violence. Judge Rebecca Ellison continued his case until Nov. 10. Miller is being represented by privately retained attorney Stephanie Mallette, according to court officials.
Miller, 42, was a full-time Eupora officer when he was arrested on the charge on June 27 by Sheriff David Gore. He posted bond the next day. The case has been turned over to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
A Sheriff’s Department affidavit alleges Miller (while off duty) punched Heather Patterson in her face with a closed fist on June 26. She was his current girlfriend at the time, according to the affidavit.
Miller was placed on administrative leave without pay after the charge was filed against him. He was not among city employees rehired by the Eupora Board of Aldermen on July 3.
