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UCF board member caught in alleged solicitation bust
Harold Mills, a member of the UCF Board of Trustees, was arrested amid a solicitation bust in Seminole County, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. He has since resigned from his position at the university, UCF confirmed to FOX 35.
SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - June 5 Update: Prosecutors will no longer pursue prosecution in the case of Harold Mills due to insufficient evidence, according to the State Attorney's Office.
Mills was taken into custody during an undercover investigation on May 9 at the Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs on charges of solicitation of prostitution and indecent exposure.
Though there was probable cause to make an arrest, officials said, "prosecutors are obligated to determine if the alleged crimes can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt at trial," the State Attorney's Office said in a statement.
Mills and his attorney, Mark NeJame, released the following statements:
"I’d like to thank my entire team led by Mark NeJame –they are the epitome of excellence. I’d also like to thank the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office for their integrity and professionalism throughout. Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge the Sheriff’s Office for the civility they extended to me. I cannot express enough how much the outpouring of support and words of encouragement from our community have meant to me and my family over the last few weeks. Your friendships are invaluable, and I will find the opportunity to thank you personally. There are many lessons learned throughout this experience. Not the least of which, is that no matter what your belief, like Jesus himself, we can all learn to extend more grace, and mercy and kindness to each other as neighbors. My family has experienced significant trauma in recent years and now that this process is behind us, my request is that we be provided the privacy, time, and space to pursue our path to healing." - Harold Mills
"From the onset, I stated that initial reports are often inaccurate and wrong. Not guilty papers were filed, our factual and legal positions were listened to, and no charges brought. We’re thankful to the State Attorney’s office for its competent and proficient handling of this matter. Now Harold can move forward with his family, philanthropy, businesses, and life and be considered exonerated." - Mark NeJame
Original Story:
The former vice chair of the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees has resigned from his position following his arrest in a Seminole County prostitution sting, the university confirmed in a statement to FOX 35.
Harold Mills was arrested last week and is charged with solicitation of prostitution and indecent exposure, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.
Harold Mills was arrested on May 9, 2024 and was charged with indecent exposure and soliciting for prostitution, according to the Seminole County Sheriff's Office. Mills was the vice chair of the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees, but h …
Mills was among a handful of men arrested in a solicitation bust. A Seminole County Sheriff's Office deputy, Leroy Green, was one of them.
Following Mills' arrest and subsequent resignation from the Board of Trustees, the Board has started the process of holding elections for the vacant vice chair position, according to a spokesperson for the university. Mills' photo and biographical information have since been removed from the UCF Board of Trustees website.
Volusia County deputy resigns amid investigation into sexual act allegations, sheriff says
According to an arrest affidavit from the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, Mills allegedly used a hook-up app on his phone to meet up with, unbeknownst to him at the time, an undercover agent at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs last Thursday.
Mills and the undercover agent agreed to meet at Mills' vehicle before heading to a nearby bathroom, but he was taken down by the undercover agent after he exposed his genitals to him in the middle of the park's parking lot, the affidavit said.
Volusia County corrections officer accused of sexual misconduct, bringing contraband to jail
In a post-Miranda interview with deputies, Mills said it was the first time he had "done something like this," the affidavit said, adding that he was in the park to "clear his mind" during work. Deputies said he also contradicted his own statement of not planning to meet up with the man, despite the "conversation he initiated" on the app.
The 53-year-old man from Windermere made his first appearance in court last Friday afternoon and has since been released from jail. His arraignment is scheduled for June 5, court records show.