Man accused of trying to lure away Alexander Co. candidate's daughter

~ Don W. Miller Sr. was charged with felony child abduction.

CAIRO, Ill. -- An Illinois man was accused Wednesday of attempting to kidnap the daughter of a candidate for Alexander County commissioner.

Don W. Miller Sr., 68, of Brighton, Ill., was charged with felony child abduction in the Monday incident.

He is accused of luring toward a vehicle the 13-year-old daughter of Duane "Street Preacher" Lyon during a Labor Day festival in Olive Branch, Ill.

During an appearance Wednesday in court, Circuit Judge William Thurston formally read the charge against Miller and informed him of his rights.

As the charge was read, Miller shook his head. At one point, Miller said, "No, I'm not guilty," to which the judge reminded him that Wednesday was not the time to enter a plea.

Alexander County State's Attorney Jeffery Farris requested the judge set bond at $25,000 and add a condition that Miller have no contact with anyone younger than 18.

Thurston followed Farris' recommendation, ordering that if Miller secures bond he shall have no contact with any minors "anywhere on this planet."

Following pleas from the defendant's family, the judge altered the release condition to allow Miller contact with his grandchildren if he makes bond. The contact must be supervised by the children's parents, the judge ordered.

According to Lyon, his daughter had finished singing and was walking off a stage during the festival when Miller grabbed her.

"He told her, 'Let's go to my truck. ...Your daddy said to be nice to me 'cause I'm going to vote for him,'" Lyon said.

When he saw the attempted abduction, Lyon ran over to his daughter, who was released uninjured as the suspect fled on foot. He was arrested about 30 minutes later.

Lyon said he did not know who Miller was prior to the incident.

"It's upsetting. We just want to make sure he's prosecuted," Lyon said.

Miller's family members declined comment following Wednesday's hearing.

If convicted, Miller could face up to three years' imprisonment. A preliminary hearing was set for 10 a.m. Sept. 26.

kmorrison@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 127