Bail remains $500,000 for former depot worker

This story was published Thu, Feb 8, 2001

By Karen Zacharias
Herald Oregon bureau

PENDLETON - A judge refused Wednesday to reduce the bail for a disgruntled Umatilla Chemical Depot worker shot last week by an Oregon State Police officer.

David Miller, 44, arrived at the Umatilla County jail Tuesday after being released from a Portland hospital where he'd been treated since the shooting Jan. 31.

Miller appeared in court Wednesday by way of a video camera. With his wounded left arm bound in a cast, Miller appeared confused by the court's proceedings.

Miller told Circuit Court Judge Rudy Murgo he had not talked with an attorney.

"I haven't been able to talk to anyone since being brought here," Miller said.

Murgo appointed public defense attorney Paul Gear, who immediately asked Murgo to cut Miller's bail to $350,000. Gear said he did not believe Miller to be a serious threat to the community.

At Wednesday's hearing, Deputy District Attorney Dean Gushwa argued Miller was dangerous and bail should remain at $500,000.

"Mr. Miller was armed with various weapons to carry out that threat," Gushwa said. Murgo sided with the state and kept the bail the same. Miller is charged with seven counts of unlawful using a weapon - a felony. If convicted, Miller faces up to five years in prison.

Miller's father-in-law, Jim Sewell, said the family wasn't at the hearing because they were not told it was taking place. Moreover, he said, Miller was reportedly undergoing psychiatric evaluation at the hospital before he was taken into police custody Tuesday.

Murgo scheduled another hearing on the case for Wednesday.

 

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