An investigation into a rape incident at the Hillcrest Inn in Independence on Thursday night, April 23, led to the arrest of a 31-year-old Independence man not only in that sexual assault but also on various drug charges.

Sheriff Robert Dierks said a deputy was notified by Mercy Hospital staff late Thursday about a 20-year-old Independence Community College female student who claimed she was raped at the Hillcrest Inn, 3146 N. Penn. The student named Roy Kimball Miller, a Hillcrest Inn resident, as the person who committed the assault.

The student claimed Miller provided her with alcoholic beverages and had give her some type of a prescription pill.
While the sheriff’s deputy was investigating the rape incident, the sheriff’s department was also receiving a complaint of loud noise coming from Miller’s room at the Hillcrest Inn. Upon investigating the noise, they found Miller in his hotel room with a strong odor of marijuana. Based on what deputies knew at the time, Miller was detained and interviewed regarding the allegations.

After a search warrant was obtained early Friday morning, April 24, deputies found Miller’s hotel room contained 49 grams of marijuana plus a large set of digital scales and other evident.

Miller was then arrested. Dierks said he is recommending the following charges be filed against Miller:

• rape,

• possession of marijuana with intent to distribute,

• felony possession of drug paraphernalia,

• furnishing liquor to a minor, and

• no Kansas drug tax stamp.

Miller currently is being held in the Montgomery County Jail, where he awaits a hearing in 14th District Judicial Court.

Dierks said the arrest was an example of officers doing good, follow-up work from various angles.

He also said additional charges could be forthcoming.