Breaking Into Rochester Woman’s Home Sends Man to Prison

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Rochester man was sentenced today for breaking into a Rochester woman's apartment last fall and assaulting her.

42-year-old Brian Joseph Miller was arrested last fall after Rochester police were dispatched to an apartment complex in southwest Rochester where an assault had been reported. The criminal complaint says the responding officers were provided with a description of the suspect, who was found in a nearby parking lot.

Miller, who has a Racine address, was charged with first-degree burglary.

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According to the criminal complaint, the victim was a 55-year-old woman who woke up around 5 AM on October 24 and discovered a stranger was standing in her bedroom doorway. She told investigators the intruder lunged at her, pinned her to the bed, and attempted to spread her legs.

The court document says the woman managed to flee from the apartment after biting her attacker's arm. The complaint also indicates the officers who arrested Miller noted that he had a bite mark on his arm.

The arrest report also stated that Miller appeared to be under the influence or experiencing a mental health crisis. He was initially transported to St. Marys hospital for an evaluation before he was booked into the Olmsted County Adult Detention Center.

Under a plea agreement worked out with Olmsted County prosecutors in April, Miller entered a Norgaard plea to the felony burglary charge. That means he admits he is guilty but does not recall his actions due to drug and/or alcohol impairment.

Today, the judge presiding over the case sentenced Miller to five years in prison with credit for the 267 days he has already served in jail. According to the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Miller could be eligible for release in February 2027.

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The Olmsted County Attorney's Office had requested a 75 month prison term due to Miller's criminal history, which includes a prior felony conviction for burglary.

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