Father of child rapist speaks only to KEPR

BENTON COUNTY, Wash. -- A former daycare worker is awaiting sentencing on child rape charges.  The crime shocked the community -- a daycare worker arrested for abusing the very kids he was taking care of.  The new shook up Kid's World Child Care on Comstock in Richland last fall.

Lucas Miller is now a convicted child rapist. It's a title his family is still trying to wrap their heads around.  Miller's father, Tony Miller, spoke of his frustration, "It's just delay, after delay and excuse after excuse."

Tony Miller spoke only to Action News, but wanted to protect his identity.  He says his family have received death threats since news of his son's crimes first surfaced.  Tony remains supportive of his son.

KEPR asked, "What has Lucas told you, if anything, about his side of the story? About what may or may not have occurred?"  Tony says, "Lucas has pled guilty in court.  I don't know what he's done and what he has not done. He feels guilty."

And here's why.  These court documents lay out the violations in graphic detail.  Lucas admitted touching boys inappropriately, even inserting his finger into their rectums, and putting his hands inside a little girl's panties.  The crimes came after a long history of working with children.  No other victims have come forward from previous jobs.

Off camera, Lucas's mother told KEPR his attorney confirmed that the Department of Corrections completed a pre-sentencing investigation on Lucas and he was found to not be a threat on society.

The judge will still need to follow at least a mandatory minimum on sentencing.

Tony says he has, "Some hope that he would be able to get out, go to counseling on his own and get on with his life. He wants help. He's ready to move on."

It's not likely he'll get that chance.  His family is bracing for the worst.

Tony concluded, "I'm at the point where, let's just see what happens and then, then we'll figure out how to deal with it."

Same goes for everyone involved.  Again, that sentencing was pushed to Monday.  Lucas Miller faces eight years to life in prison.