Up to this point, a lot of information surrounding the alleged molestation of an Operation Phoenix participant by Director Mike Miller and other allegations of mismanagement have been very murky.

There is a devastating story in the San Bernardino Sun today by ace reporter Robert Rogers and Andrew Edwards that now reveals that as early as Friday, June 27th, several leaders in City Hall were aware of the molestation allegations against Mike Miller. Shockingly, the police were not notified about these allegations until Tuesday, July 1st.

We also know the city was aware of the "BB gun wars" being conducted by Mike Miller and others as early as May. This came to light in a previous article by Rogers and Edwards that can be read here:

Penman confirmed that the city became aware of BB gun battles in May, and that the people involved went to "great lengths" to conceal the activity from their supervisors.

At what point the city learned that Mike Miller was involved in these BB gun incidents is unclear. We do know from the same article that another Parks & Recreation employee (Tyrone Traylor) was placed on paid administrative leave at a time suggesting he was involved in the BB gun wars. That person was placed on leave by Parks & Recreation Director Kevin Hawkins.

Clearly, it appears that Kevin Hawkins had a desire to act swiftly and appropriately in this sitaution with an employee under his direct control. It would seem that had Mike Miller been under the direct control of Hawkins, that he too would have been disciplined in some manner. However, to date, it is unclear as to who Mike Miller reported.

In the story today, Glenn Baude wrote via email to Hawkins:

"We probably need to talk because if he is now mine I believe there should be some level of discipline for the BB incident, possible sexual involvement I have heard nothing about but it should be investigated. Let's meet."

This exchange demonstrates two things: (1) that Mike Miller's involvement in the BB gun wars was known at some point before this and quite possibly at the time it came to light in May according to Penman, and (2) there was clearly some previous discussion as to the chain of command oversight with respect to Miller and one might go even further to suggest that at some point before this Mike Miller was officially shifted over to Baude. Remember, Baude says, "if he is now mine".

In today's article, Glenn Baude says: "I've got nothing except a rumor that some people were going to talk" about the molestation allegations. While some will say that whenever allegations are made, an employee should be put on paid leave until an investigation is conducted. I am not sure I am willing to go that far. So, in a way, I can understand these sentiments.

The part that troubles me however, is that these molestation allegations came on the heel of the revelation of the BB gun wars. It is unfair to make the conclusion that just because someone has engaged in BB gun wars, that they are also prone to molestation. Regardless, when you combine the molestation allegations with the BB gun revelations, Miller should have been placed on paid administrative leave no later than that next Monday (and I am trying to give as much benefit of the doubt as possible). One wonders why he wasn't already on leave pending an investigation into the BB gun shenanigans.

Then it gets worse.

The San Bernardino Police Department wasn't notified until Tuesday!

And unfortunately, it begs the questions: (1) If Glenn Baude learned about these molestation allegations on Friday, June 27th, at what point did he notify Mayor Pat Morris?, (2) Why was Miller not placed on leave and instead allowed to work in the center even on the day of his arrest?, and (3) Who made the decision to wait until Tuesday to contact the proper authorities at the San Bernardino Police Department?

Here is the timeline:

May - Revelations about BB gun wars involving Tyrone Traylor come out. Traylor is placed on administrative leave, believed to be in response to these BB gun wars. Although it has not been confirmed, it appears that officials learn of Mike Miller's involvement in these activities at the same time or soon after Traylor is put on leave.

June 27th - Emails between Kevin Hawkins and Glenn Baude reveal that officials absolutely knew that Miller was involved in BB gun wars at some point before the 27th (the specific date unknown). We also know that despite this known actions, Miller was not disciplined. We also learn via this email at as early as June 27th, allegations of molestation surfaced.

June 30-July 3 - Mike Miller was still working as the Director and had not been disciplined.

July 1 - That afternoon the police were notified about the molestation allegations (over 96 hours after the email on June 27th).

July 3 - Mike Miller arrested at around 1:30 PM at a Redlands restaurant.

----------------

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Due to technical difficulties, several posts by Joseph Turner were delayed and left unpublished.