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Search for missing Iowa professor turns up empty

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By The Associated Press | Friday, August 22, 2008 |

IOWA CITY — The search of an Iowa City park for a missing University of Iowa professor accused of asking to fondle female students in exchange for higher grades was suspended Thursday night.

Arthur Miller was reported missing Wednesday morning, and authorities used his cell phone to track his car to a heavily wooded local park. About 20 officers — along with canine units and aircraft — searched the park Thursday, but dense underbrush and slippery conditions made the search difficult.

Authorities said in a statement Thursday night that “all reasonable efforts and resources have been deployed” to find Miller in the park. The investigation into Miller’s disappearance will continue, and officials said that more information would be made available on Friday morning.

The park has been reopened to the public.

Miller’s family issued a statement Thursday, saying that rain had dampened their hopes for Miller’s return.

“It has been a long way for him and, sadly, a very lowly way,” said part of the statement released by Miller’s family. “During all these months he was trying to protect his family by not sharing all the pain and sorrow which were filling his heart. He was looking for help outside, but unfortunately did not find enough compassion and willingness to hear his story.”

Police found Miller’s wallet, cell phone and some rifle ammunition inside his car Wednesday.

Miller was charged on Aug. 8 with four counts of accepting bribes. Police say he allegedly asked to touch the breasts of four female students between May 8 and 13. In return, he would give the students “A’s” in his class.

Miller was released from jail and placed on paid administrative leave.

A search warrant filed Aug. 5 in Johnson County said 47 sets of e-mail messages between Miller students, staff and professors were seized. Included in what was seized were messages from at least 10 students and Miller from April 1 to Aug. 4 regarding grades, meetings or future assistance from Miller.

The warrant said that several e-mail exchanges reference final grades or offers to negotiate. Other messages between 66-year-old Miller and administrators involved the complaints against him, the warrant said.