Montco teacher accused of fondling, kissing girl

A music teacher at Upper Perkiomen Middle School who is accused of kissing and fondling a student on school property told the 14-year-old girl that he loved her to win her affection, Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said yesterday.

Brian Miller, 28, of Bethlehem, was charged with indecent assault, corruption of minors and related offenses after police discovered he'd allegedly been meeting with the student and sending dirty text messages to her iPhone.

"We learned that the teacher had professed his love to this child, told her that he desired to continue their physical relationship and wanted to marry her," Ferman said.

Miller did not comment yesterday as he entered district court for his arraignment. He failed to immediately post 10 percent of $250,000 bail and was brought to the county prison in handcuffs.

Ferman said that the teacher, who is married and has been suspended from his job without pay, "sacrificed learning for his own personal lust." Authorities were tipped off by a friend of the student who discovered the provocative messages that Miller had sent.

"Nothing was done in front of other students but it was very apparent that he was taking time with her and taking her away," Ferman said of the alleged months-long relationship.

"They would leave the classroom, go to a private place around school and engage in very intimate, inappropriate contact," she said.

A second girl has come forward with similar allegations, according to police.

Miller is scheduled to return to court next month for his preliminary hearing. *