Under a plea deal reached with Marion County prosecutors, Indianapolis City-County Councilor Jeff Miller is resigning.

Miller was accused of fondling three under-age girls back last year.

Under the plea deal, Miller admits to touching two girls in a “rude manner” in exchange he gives up his council seat and is sentenced to probation for four years, but avoids having to register as a sex offender.

Miller submitted his resignation this morning.  In a brief statement filed with Circuit Court Clerk Myla Eldridge he said  “It has been a great privilege to serve my community, neighbors and all the residents of Council District 16.”

He released the following statement in an e-mail this afternoon to his constituents…

“As many have likely seen, I entered a guilty plea today to “rude touch”, which is a lesser form of battery and I resigned my council position.  I feel this plea, offered by the special prosecutor, is fair and just.  My actions, while unintentional, were unwelcomed.  I am terribly sorry for the impact this has had directly on those involved and indirectly on the community as a whole.  A new council representative will be appointed in the next 30 days to represent the district, and in the meantime I will be happy to continue to help address concerns facing the district as well as complete issues in progress.  I can’t thank you all enough for your support of me in the 2011 and 2015 elections and in all the days in between.  My goal has always been to give you a voice and to fight with dogged determination to address the quality of life issues you have faced.  It has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I will treasure it for years to come.”

Local reaction was somewhat mixed.

Council President Vop Osili said “Miller’s service on Council will be remembered for his “tireless advocacy for his constituents, and the true passion he brought to serving Indianapolis,” adding that he respects Miller’s decision to resign.

Meanwhile, Marion County GOP Chairman Jim Merritt said, “While Miller’s resignation will not undo the harm he inflicted on his victims, it is the right thing to do. Public service is public trust, and Miller’s behavior is unacceptable, which is why we called on him to resign months ago. We will call for a caucus within the next thirty days to elect an individual to serve out his term.“