Lawrence Resident Enters Plea in November 2015 Crime Spree

Douglas County District Attorney Charles Branson announces that yesterday afternoon Lawrence resident Ryan Allen Miller, 36, pleaded no contest to aggravated criminal sodomy, rape and five counts of aggravated burglary. 

The criminal case was filed after the District Attorney’s Office received reports and an affidavit from the Lawrence Police Department regarding their investigation of Miller’s actions on the night of Saturday, November 7, 2015.  Officers were dispatched that night shortly after 10:15 p.m. to a residence in the 800 block of Alabama Street in reference to an aggravated burglary.  The victim reported she was alone in her residence when she heard someone walking up the stairs.  She tried, but failed to lock her front door prior to Miller entering her residence.  Miller had a mask over his face and pointed a handgun at the victim.  The victim wrestled Miller for control of the gun, which was only later determined to be a BB gun.  The mask fell off Miller’s face and he ran from the scene. 

Only minutes later officers were dispatched to a residence in the 800 block of Maine Street.  Four victims were inside a residence when Miller, entered their home.  He again displayed the handgun/BB gun and told them he did not want to kill anyone.  He walked through the residence, looking for items to steal and then he left.

Minutes later officers were dispatched to yet another residence in the 800 block of Maine Street.  That victim reported he was in his bedroom using his computer when he heard the doorknob to his bedroom turn and the door open slightly.  Miller shut the door and he left the residence.

Miller then made his way to a residence in the 800 block of Missouri Street.  Miller entered the residence and instead of only looking for items to steal, he committed the offense of aggravated criminal sodomy against one victim and he raped the second victim.  The victims were terrified Miller was going to kill them.  One of the victims fought with Miller, hitting him on the head with the gun and both victims were then able to run outside of their residence and scream for help.  Officers already in the area due to Miller’s earlier actions were able to quickly get to and assist the women.  Officers entered their residence and found a naked Miller in the basement.  He was immediately arrested.

As officers investigated Miller’s crime spree, they found items that belonged to another victim.  That victim also lived in the 800 block of Missouri Street.  Miller broke into her home and stole her wallet and other items while the victim was at home, but Miller left prior to the victim realizing he was there.

At yesterday’s hearing, the Court ordered a pre-sentence investigation and depending on the determination of Miller’s prior criminal record, he faces a prison sentence of 147 to 653

months for the aggravated criminal sodomy charge, 147 to 653 months for the rape charge and 31 to 136 months for each of the aggravated burglary charges.  His time will be served in the custody of the Kansas Department of Corrections and he faces lifetime registration per the requirements of the Kansas Offender Registration Act.  Miller’s sentencing was scheduled for August 22 at 9:30 a.m.

Yesterday’s hearing was held in the courtroom of the Honorable Barbara Kay Huff.  The case was investigated by the Lawrence Police Department and it was prosecuted by District Attorney Charles Branson and Senior Assistant District Attorney Amy McGowan. 

Following the hearing, DA Branson said, “After consultation with the victims, we are pleased with the plea and the fact that they will not have to testify in the case.”           

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