What started as an ordinary school day at Cross Creek School in Pompano Beach turned into a disturbing event that left students and parents shaken. In September 2019, former Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) deputy Willard Miller, working as a school security officer, was caught on camera grabbing a 15-year-old girl by the neck and slamming her to the ground.
The student had reportedly tapped the back of Miller’s knees with her foot—something some say was just a playful act. But instead of brushing it off, Miller reacted aggressively, shocking those who saw the footage. Parents and the community quickly began asking: was this self-defense, or did he go too far?
Arrest and Trial: Did He Cross the Line?
Miller was soon arrested and charged with child abuse without great bodily harm. The school and law enforcement took the situation seriously, suspending him immediately and later terminating his position.
His trial in 2022 focused on whether his reaction was justified. His defense argued that he felt threatened and acted instinctively. Meanwhile, prosecutors pointed to the video, questioning whether such a forceful response was necessary. In the end, the jury sided with Miller, finding him not guilty. But despite the legal win, his reputation and career took a major hit.
BSO Investigation: More Than Just the Incident
Even though he was cleared in court, Miller still faced scrutiny from within the sheriff’s office. An internal investigation found that he broke several department policies, including turning off his body camera during the altercation and failing to file a proper report.
Because of these violations, BSO decided to fire him in August 2021. The department made it clear that officers working in schools must be held to high standards, and situations like this raise serious concerns about student safety.
Parents, Students, and the Bigger Debate
The case sparked strong reactions from the community. Many parents expressed their indignation, arguing that school security guards should defend pupils rather than injure them. Others said Miller just overreacted in a stressful situation and that the not-guilty decision was justified.
The event also sparked a larger discussion over whether or not police should be present in schools. Many increasingly wonder if students are actually safe in the presence of school authorities and how much force they should be permitted to use.
What’s Next for Miller?
Miller avoided jail time, but his future remains uncertain. There’s no word on whether he will fight for his job back or try to move on to a different career. For now, he remains out of law enforcement, and the debate over his actions continues.
