Texas’ agriculture commissioner Sid Miller is currently under investigation for allegedly misusing taxpayer money. No charges regarding the white collar crime have been filed yet, but it is possible that the investigation will eventually yield criminal repercussions. Currently, the investigation is following suspicions that he abused his official capacity.
Miller not only serves as the agriculture commissioner but also works as a calf-roper in rodeos. Officials claim that he used at least $1,000 of tax payer money to travel to another state in order to receive an injection of an anti-inflammatory that is only available from one doctor in the United States. The shot has been dubbed “the Jesus shot” for its supposed effectiveness at treating chronic pain.
A report in the newspaper brought Miller’s out-of-state trip public and an advocacy group followed up by filing a complaint against him. He reimbursed the state following the complaint. However, it is still not clear if he actually received the injection during that trip, and Miller has refused to comment on the matter. A representative for the commissioner stated that the investigation is not necessary and is indeed an overreaction to what he claims is an otherwise simple complaint that has already been addressed and handled appropriately.
Being the subject of an ongoing criminal investigation can be quite unnerving. Some individuals in Texas might postpone seeking appropriate legal assistance out of fear that doing so will make them appear guilty of committing a crime. Whether being investigated for a white collar crime, drug possession or any number of allegations, each and every individual accused or suspected of violating the law is still presumed innocent with full access to their rights during the course of the investigation and any subsequent criminal proceedings.
Source: morganton.com, “Correction: Texas Agriculture Chief-Investigation story”, Paul J. Weber, April 14, 2016