Apologetic ex-Husker gets probation

An attorney noted all the good things Willie J. Miller has done.

Obtained good grades and a good job. Cared for his family. Spoke to youth groups, urging children to stay in school and out of trouble.

Yet Miller, 30, lamented Wednesday that his bad act in April 2008 will mar his legacy and his future.

The former Husker fullback, who played for NU from 1996 to 2000, told a judge Wednesday that he accepted responsibility for a road-rage ramming that bent the frame of a Chevy Blazer and sent the Blazer into another vehicle in west Omaha.

“I've got a felony now,” Miller said. “My education is thrown out the window. I worked really hard to get that 3.5. (GPA in college) ... Unfortunately, this is an isolated incident that did occur — something I take full responsibility for.”

Noting that the probation office recommended probation, Douglas County District Judge Russell Bowie sentenced Miller, who had no prior felonies, to 18 months of probation.
Prosecutor Michael Jensen had asked Bowie to impose a prison sentence — calling Miller's actions violent and potentially deadly.

Larry Lacoma, an off-duty Omaha police officer, was headed to work when he saw Miller speed by and cut off two drivers on West Dodge Road.

As he exited Dodge to go south on 132nd Street, Lacoma honked at Miller — apparently setting him off.

Miller sped south on 132nd Street and rammed his Suburban into Lacoma's Blazer.

Miller's attorney, Beau Finley, argued that Miller was trying to pull alongside Lacoma when Lacoma suddenly slowed — causing Miller to crash into him.

In February, a jury found Miller guilty of criminal mischief for causing $5,000 in damage to Lacoma's Blazer. Jurors acquitted Miller of second-degree assault — saying they didn't have proof that Miller was trying to hurt Lacoma.

Jensen said he was incredulous that a probation officer recommended that Miller be placed on probation. Jensen noted that the force of the collision pushed Lacoma's Blazer into a minivan.

“The defendant got lucky that someone didn't get hurt more seriously,” Jensen said.
Lacoma, who did not appear at Miller's sentencing, submitted a letter asking the judge to sentence Miller to the maximum term — five years in prison.

Miller said the seven days he spent in jail after the incident were enough to show him “I never want to be there again.”

Miller said he once made “six figures” as a pharmaceutical salesman but now works at a job making $8 an hour.

“I will keep working hard to be the best father and husband I can,” he said.
Bowie ordered Miller to undergo anger management counseling as part of the terms of his probation.