Penticton City Councillor James Miller has been arrested for alleged historical sex crimes he reportedly committed while living in Ontario.

Miller, 59, was arrested in Penticton on Thursday, Aug. 1, following an investigation by the Sarnia Police Service.

The offences occurred in 1989 when Miller was a youth basketball coach, according to the Sarnia Police Service. He has been charged with two counts of sexual interference and two counts of sexual assault on a person under the age of 16 years old.

A Canada-wide warrant was obtained for Miller's arrest.

The investigation is ongoing. Miller appeared by video in Sarnia court on Thursday, however, according to the Sarnia Observer, Miller was released on bail and will next appear in court on Aug. 14.

In a statement released Thursday morning, the City of Penticton said Miller is on mandatory leave, as a result of the charges.

"As this matter is before the courts, and out of respect for all parties involved, no further comment will be provided," the statement reads.

Miller is also the managing editor of The Penticton Herald. 

Last year Penticton City Council asked Miller not to attend any public events after learning about sexual assault charges in Ontario.

However, Miller was quick to that he had been charged almost two decades with assault and sexual assault and sexual interference, but was acquitted in 2006.

On July 25, 2023 the mayor said council completed its inquiries into the past charges and acquittal of councillor Miller and considers ‘the matter closed.’