Miller told Aderholt she reported him to “reclaim the truth in this false narrative you directed for so long.” In court Tuesday, she also claimed that “Others have come forward in the past few days and shared that you used their vulnerability for your sexual gratification, at times even doing so after you were told to stop.” She added, “The truth is exploding out from all the places you have hidden it.”
Defense Attorney Maintains Aderholt Is Innocent
After Tuesday’s sentencing, Miller and her supporters expressed dismay and anger when Aderholt’s attorney, Justin Sparks, continued to insist his client is innocent. “Mark has maintained his innocence from day one,” Sparks said, adding that Aderholt “agreed to this [plea] because the original allegations were abandoned and for closure.”
Miller says that made her “almost [throw] up in my mouth” because it “does not reflect the plea agreement in the courtroom.” She adds, “What is on record, his pleading guilty, is the truth.”
On Miller’s Twitter feed, several supporters are decrying the fact that Aderholt can avoid being listed on sex-offender registries and that this guilty plea won’t show up on background checks. But they’re taking comfort in knowing that a quick online search will reveal his past and reputation. As one writes, “Google never goes away.”
After the sentencing, abuse survivor and advocate Rachael Denhollander tweeted: “So indescribably proud of @girlnamedanne. The courage you have shown is a model for all of us. Thank you.”
Miller, who says she’s “learned how unspeakably complicated the criminal justice system is,” was relieved to hear Aderholt say “guilty” and to be able to face and forgive him. Though Aderholt didn’t look her in the eye as she’d hoped, Miller could proclaim, “This is the end.” She says she prays Aderholt will “choose to live honorably and honestly” and will “know the holy and saving power of God’s perfect and unconditional love.”
Miller, who’s written about sexuality, relationships, and ministry leadership, lost a book deal earlier this year with LifeWay Christian Resources, the SBC’s publishing arm. During the editing process, LifeWay took issue with some recommendations in Healing Together, including a suggesting that supporters of abuse survivors shouldn’t always encourage them to return to church.
