Rev Al going to trial on firearm charge

Pastor faces the music next month

Embattled evangelical pastor The Reverend Al Miller is scheduled to go on trial next month on a criminal charge arising from the disappearance of his licensed firearm.

This would be the second trial in a three-week period for the 58-year-old Miller. He is set to go on trial next Wednesday for harbouring a fugitive, arising from his role in the capture of then fugitive Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.

Miller, the popular pastor of the Fellowship Tabernacle Church, who was charged last week with negligence causing the loss or theft of his .38 revolver, was informed of his March 7 trial date when he appeared in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

His bail was extended by Senior Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey, who also ordered that his fingerprints be taken.

Gun discovered missing

Prosecutors are alleging that about 6:30 p.m. on January 21, Miller left a black pouch with the firearm and cash on the floor of his vehicle while he and his daughter picked plums on a school compound in the Shortwood Road area.

The pouch and its contents were not discovered missing until Miller and his daughter arrived at their St Andrew home.

A report was made to the Constant Spring police last Thursday and the popular pastor was subsequently arrested and charged.

Miller was first arrested last June after Coke was captured in his sport utility vehicle along the Mandela Highway in St Catherine.

An arrest warrant had been issued for Coke arising from an extradition request from the United States government.