Nicaraguan Kidnapper Timothy Miller Sentenced

Buffalo, N.Y. – A Nicaraguan man, Timothy Miller, 40, has been sentenced to time served after being convicted of conspiracy to commit international parental kidnapping.

The sentencing, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr., marks the conclusion of a case that saw Miller assist his co-defendant, Lisa Miller, and her daughter in fleeing the United States to Nicaragua in 2009.

Miller, along with Kenneth Miller and Lisa Miller, conspired to evade Janet Jenkins’ visitation rights by securing a one-way plane ticket for them from Toronto, Ontario. Upon arrival in Nicaragua, he provided shelter and financial assistance to the fugitives.

Lisa Miller was convicted and sentenced, while charges are pending against her, with her current whereabouts and those of her daughter remaining unknown. Philip Zhodiates, another defendant, was also convicted of international parental kidnapping and conspiracy, receiving a 36-month prison sentence.

The investigation leading to the sentencing was conducted by the Vermont Office of the United States Marshal’s Service under David Damag’s direction, and the Vermont Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation under Andrew Vale’s leadership.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael DiGiacomo and Paul Van de Graff handled the case for the prosecution. Contact information for more details is provided below:

CONTACT: Barbara Burns

PHONE: (716) 843-5817

FAX: (716) 551-3051