L.I. Man Accused In Murder-For-Hire Plot Pleads Not Guilty To Grand Larceny, Forgery Charges

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A Long Island man already facing some disturbing charges was arraigned again on new charges against him.

As WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported, Daniel Miller was charged back in 2012 for allegedly drugging and sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy then trying to hire a hitman to kill the teen so he could not testify.

Now, prosecutors in Nassau County said the 47-year-old is accused of writing $200,000 in bad checks to three businesses. Miller pleaded not guilty Friday to a 14-count indictment, including charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument, along with a scheme to defraud.

Although Miller's attorney said his client is delusional, the judge found Miller competent to stand trial.

"He talks about the spirits telling him things. He talks about other attorneys giving him advice. He is obviously paranoid," defense lawyer Bill Shanahan said. "Right now, he's been on a hunger strike for 50 days, he's delusional, he's written numerous motions and orders which are obviously from a delusional person."

Before Miller allegedly tried to hire a hitman, authorities said he tried to have a voodoo doll made of the victim. He wanted to put knives in the doll and hope the teen would be diagnosed with cancer, prosecutors said.

Miller owned Botanica, a religious supply store in Inwood, Long Island.

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