Albert Lea Police Sgt. David Miller receives top award for investigating sex crimes
City News October 8, 2025
Albert Lea Police Sgt. David Miller was recently honored as “Investigator of the Year” by the Minnesota Sex Crimes Investigators Association (MNSCIA). He earned the award for his exceptional work and attention to detail when handling difficult criminal sexual conduct cases.
Assistant Freeborn County Attorney Abby Ehret nominated Miller for the honor. She noted that as a detective, Miller aggressively pursued many criminal sexual conduct and child pornography cases.
“Because of him, many predators are off the streets, and our community is a much safer place,” Ehret said. “More importantly, the victims received the justice they have deserved for years.”
His dedication was especially clear in one complex case involving two young brothers who were victimized by their mother’s boyfriend. The case was challenging because there was an 8-year delay in reporting the crime and then two more years before it went to trial.
Detective Miller spent countless hours carefully collecting and reviewing evidence. He tracked down and tried to interview the defendant. He also supported the victims’ family and conducted follow-up investigations as requested by the County Attorney’s Office.
Crucially, just one week before the jury trial was scheduled to begin, Miller learned about a third victim. He quickly interviewed this person the Friday before the Monday trial. The County Attorney’s Office filed motions to let the third victim testify, and the judge agreed. This new testimony, a direct result of Miller’s thoroughness, significantly strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Miller served as a key witness during the trial. The jury found the defendant guilty on all six counts, and the court sentenced him to 33 years in prison, plus a lifetime of conditional release. He will be nearly 70 years old when released.
Beyond his investigative skills, Miller is known for his ability to connect with victims and their families. His genuine care makes him a trusted figure, so much so that the County Attorney’s Office often asks him to attend difficult meetings with victims.
Attorneys, officers, and even more experienced detectives often seek out Miller’s advice. He is always ready to collaborate on cases and values feedback from the County Attorney’s Office to improve his investigations.
Upon receiving the award, Miller thanked the MNSCIA for the recognition and the Albert Lea Police Department (ALPD) for its support. He also offered thanks to all sex crimes investigators in Minnesota, calling it a “tough job,” and expressed gratitude to his family.
Miller joined the ALPD in 2007. He spent four years as a detective from 2021 until 2025, when he was promoted to sergeant in September. Additionally, he serves the department as a firearms instructor, training officers in continued firearms proficiency, new tactics, and new weapons and tools as they become available.
For immediate release
Oct. 6, 2025
Media contact: Albert Lea Deputy Police Chief Darin Palmer at 507-377-5217 or DPalmer@ci.albertlea.mn.us
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The mission of the Albert Lea Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in Albert Lea by providing excellent public safety services through leadership, integrity, and in collaborative partnerships with our community.
