Attorneys File Restraining order Against Sheriff, Undersheriff Over Son’s Arrest

Miller has kept a low profile since investigators arrested his son Jacob on drug charges at his home in Pacific Grove. Then, Central coast news broke the story last Friday about those same investigators filing a restraining order against their sheriff, trying to stop Miller from interfering in the case.

As of Tuesday night, Miller said he still hasn’t seen a copy of the order.

The cease and desist letter was sent to Monterey County Undersheriff Max Houser demanding that he immediately stop interrogating any member of the narcotics team regarding the investigation and the arrest of Sheriff Miller’s son without a union representative present.

Attorneys for the Deputy’s Sheriff Association filed the restraining order against Houser and Sheriff Miller. One of the claims states when Miller got the courtesy call that investigators were going to search Jacob’s home last Wednesday, the sheriff told his wife.

According to the complaint, when Jane Miller got home she said “my husband called me and told me that you were coming.”

The complaint claims if Miller alerted his wife, he broke the law because giving notice jeopardizes officer safety.

The letter goes on to say that the undersheriff made it clear that the questioning was to make sure procedures were followed, but that “Sgt. Archie Warren possesses reasonable belief your interrogation may lead to disciplinary action.”

Attorneys for Sgt. Warren allege Undersheriff Houser targeted Warren for “retaliation, tried to intimidate him, and ordered him to submit to an interview about Jacob Miller’s arrest.”

The Monterey County Deputy Sheriff’s Association said the letter was sent to protect narcotic members from possible retaliation.

Central Coast News Reporter Brooke Holmquist talked with Undersheriff Max Houser Friday. He wouldn’t go on camera, but did say the narcotics unit is in his direct chain of command and he is responsible for procedures of that unit.

Houser said a de-briefing after an investigation and arrest is common and he would’ve done that “with any case that would have had an impact on the Sheriff’s Office not just one that involves the Sheriff’s son.”

In response to it all, Miller said, “I haven’t been served. I know nothing about it and I’m not involved at all in the investigation of my son.”

The attorneys asked for a response from the undersheriff, no word on whether that has happened yet.