‘Ridiculous’: Penticton city councillor takes stand, denies sexually abusing young boy

Penticton city councillor James Miller’s trial is nearly over as he faces historic sexual abuse charges, and it’s slated to conclude with his testimony.

Miller, 60, testified on May 1, facing cross-examination by a Crown prosecutor during the afternoon session in a Sarnia, Ontario courtroom.

Miller told the court his relationship with the alleged victim started with basketball and though they became close over time, Miller said he saw nothing wrong with the relationship.

Crown prosecutor Suzanne LaSha called the friendship “inappropriate.”

“You’re making a mistake by comparing 1990s standards with 2026 standards,” Miller said, responding to the Crown.

Miller coached youth basketball in addition to his job as a sports reporter for a local newspaper.

The victim was in the sixth grade when they met, but Miller said it was only after his six-month stint on the team that they became close.

The prosecutor said their relationship, which included many one-on-one visits, escalated over time.

She likened it to a frog in boiling water.

“You befriended this boy because you knew he was disadvantaged… you slowly gained his confidence and trust,” she said. “I’m going to suggest you started slowly. The frog went in the water, the frog is (the victim).”

Miller became agitated and repeatedly said “no” as the prosecutor continued to suggest he had escalated things with the victim over time.

“You started increasing contact with him slowly, giving him a tour of your home. That escalated more… you started giving him massages and undressing him slowly. He didn’t cry out, he didn’t resist so you tried more,” LaSha said.

He continued his denials as the prosecutor said he isolated and sexually touched the boy multiple times.

It was one of a few moments when Miller appeared to become frustrated with LaSha’s questions and her suggestions that he had sexually assaulted the victim multiple times.

In the following years, LaSha said Miller gave the boy gifts for not going to police, a reward for his silence.

“That is totally ridiculous, I disagree,” he said.

His relationship with the alleged victim spanned roughly three decades as they remained in contact. They last saw each other in July 2024 at which time Miller gave him $2,000, the court heard.

He said it was a gift to help the victim buy a vehicle, but LaSha argued it was a continuation of rewards for silence about alleged sexual abuse.

Miller is expected to testify once more on Monday, May 4, which will be followed by closing arguments.

The Ontario Superior Court trial began earlier this week and comes nearly two years after Miller was first charged.

It’s the first of two scheduled trials. The second involving two alleged victims is expected to begin in the coming months.

Miller has remained on Penticton city hall’s payroll the entire time as he is presumed innocent, but he has been suspended from any duties. He works as the editor for the Penticton Herald and Kelowna Courier newspapers.