Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
News
Public Safety officer faces charges from US Attorney David Lee Miller arrested after a two-year investigation By Jana Seshadri The United States Attorney's Office set a $250,000 property bond during a hearing on July 25 for former Officer David Lee Miller Jr. The 15-year veteran of the department was fired after he was arrested on July 23 following a two-year investigation of corruption involving two "hostess bars" in Sunnyvale, according to Bryon Pipkin, special operations officer for the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety. "This is devastating for the department," he added. In 1999, SDPS Chief Irwin "Ernie" Bakin authorized an undercover operation into allegations of prostitution and police corruption at the Crystal Palace Night Club located at 1183 W. El Camino Real and the Ok Yeo Bong at 606 S. Bernardo Avenue,after receiving tips from Sunnyvale residents. The two bar owners were allegedly running brothels and Korean women, brought into this country illegally, were forced to work in these bars as prostitutes, Pipkin said. According to Pipkin, Officer Miller was working on patrol when he allegedly came in contact with the two bars in question. According to investigators, Sue Yun Song, a.k.a. "Sheena" and Roger K. Li owned and operated the Crystal Palace. Investigators say they have also established Miller had a relationship with Song in which Miller received benefits/payments in exchange for his assistance to the Crystal Palace. Allegedly, Miller would also warn the bar owners about upcoming raids and investigations and access the law enforcement databases at Li's request. "Miller would often stop by the bars," Pipkin alleges. "He was taking cash and sexual favors for covering up what was really going on in these places." Pipkin said several Korean women entered the United States illegally and were required to pay up to $30,000. They allegedly paid off their debts by working in these bars as prostitutes and female companions to customers. If and when the women wanted to leave, Miller would allegedly coerce them to stay until their debts were paid up, which is extortion, Pipkin said. According to investigators, Miller traveled to Hawaii with Song to collect money from women indebted to Song. Investigators say they've established that Miller had a similar relationship with Sang Ye Han and Robert Kwong Wong, owners of Ok Yeo Bong. Ever since the investigation started in 2000, officials have established that Ok Yeo Bong has been operating in a similar manner to the Crystal Palace. "These behaviors—that are alleged—will not be tolerated by Sunnyvale," said Mayor Fred Fowler. "It goes against everything that Public Safety and the city stand for." Fowler stressed that Miller—his arrest notwithstanding—is still innocent until proven guilty. Since the initial investigation showed indications of corruption and violations of federal law, the FBI stepped in per Public Safety's request, Fowler said. The INS and the IRS also participated in the investigation, he added. According to the criminal complaint by the U.S. Attorney's Office, federal agents, with the help of different investigative techniques, were able to corroborate statements provided by three different "cooperating sources." Two of the sources were not compensated in any way for the information according to the complaint and had no known criminal history, while the third source was arrested in 1985 for promoting prostitution and received payment from law enforcement in exchange for information on this case. According to the criminal complaint by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Miller has been charged with six counts, three charges each of conspiracy to commit interference with commerce by threats and violence and conspiracy to travel interstate in aid of a racketeering enterprise. Miller pleaded not guilty to the charges, said Audra Ibarra, assistant U.S. Attorney. If Miller produces ownership papers from a maximum of two properties, he will be released on bail, Ibarra said. However, Miller would have to keep his court appearances, she added. Chief Bakin has requested that anyone with additional information regarding the activities of David Miller contact Public Safety at 408.730.7120 or the San Jose FBI Office at 408.998.5633. Information may also be mailed to Bakin at PO Box 3707, Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3707 or emailed to ebakin@ci.sunnyvale.ca.us. |
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