A Unit 5 teacher accused of grooming, solicitation and possession of child sexual materials will remain in jail for now.
Appearing in McLean County court on Thursday afternoon, Andrew "Drew" Miller, 40, of Normal, waived his right to a speedy determination about whether he’ll be detained awaiting trial on 42 felony counts.
Bloomington Police arrested Miller on Wednesday during a traffic stop. A McLean County grand jury returned indictments against Miller earlier in the day.
Police began investigating in February after a victim reported Miller has exchanged with them photos that were sexual in nature and when the victim was still a minor.
Police indicated there were at least six victims identified during the course of the investigation.
Defense attorney Josh Rinker asked for more time to prepare an argument for pretrial release. Assistant State's Attorney Aaron Fredrick said he was ready to proceed, but acknowledged "substantial" discovery in the case and agreed to a continuance.
A new detention hearing is scheduled for Wednesday in Judge Amy McFarland’s courtroom.
Under the Pretrial Fairness Act, defendants have the right to a detention hearing within 48 hours of arrest. Miller, appearing in court in shackles and a green McLean County jail jumpsuit, waived that right and will remain in custody at least until his next hearing.
Miller, the seventh-grade science and language arts teacher and track coach at Chiddix Junior High, has been on paid leave since police raided his classroom and home early in the investigation.
Unit 5 said Wednesday the district is taking steps to place him on unpaid administrative leave.
Of the 42 counts, seven are the most serious. Miller is charged with seven counts of possessing moving depictions of child sexual materials. That's a Class 2 felony, carrying a possible 3-7 year prison sentence per count.
Judge McFarland said it was not necessary for prosecutors to provide a probable cause statement until next week's hearing.
Miller is one of two Chiddix teachers to be arrested on grooming charges this year. Brandon Knapp remains in custody awaiting trial and has resigned from his position at the school.
