Deborah Miller pleads not guilty to three counts of firearm-related theft amid claims the prosecution overreached.
UPDATE:
On April 8th, Miller returned to court for her second pretrial, where she was formally charged with two additional felonies: one count of theft and one count of intimidation, both third-degree felonies. According to court filings reviewed by FreeWire, prosecutors also added a gun specification to each of the original three firearm theft charges. This enhancement alleges that Miller “had a firearm on or about her person or under her control while committing the offense.” Under Ohio law, a firearm specification carries mandatory prison time if convicted, regardless of the underlying charge.
Despite the escalation in charges, Miller remains free on a personal recognizance bond as the case proceeds.
Crawford County, OH — March 29, 2025
Deborah Ann Miller, the owner of the Hideaway Inn located just outside Bucyrus on Route 4 toward Marion, has been indicted on three counts of felony theft, each charge involving the alleged theft of a firearm or dangerous ordnance.
The case, filed in Crawford County Common Pleas Court on March 11, 2025, is being prosecuted by the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office under Judge Sean E. Leuthold. According to court records and confirmation from the prosecutor’s office, Miller faces three separate charges under ORC 2913.02(A)(1), each a third-degree felony.
Miller entered a plea of not guilty during her arraignment on March 17, 2025. The indictment follows a series of legal troubles for the 64-year-old business owner, who has long been a controversial figure in the community.
In 2019, Miller and her business, the Hideaway Inn, were the subject of a civil lawsuit filed by Randle Waddle, which was later voluntarily dismissed. More recently, in 2024, Miller’s own family filed an active civil lawsuit against her over alleged mismanagement of a family trust.
Based on FreeWire’s knowledge of the case, the charges stem from an incident involving a guest at the Hideaway Inn who brought firearms onto the property. Because the establishment holds a liquor license, it is illegal to possess firearms in certain areas of the premises. The guest was later asked to leave and left the weapons behind. The case hinges on what actions Miller took afterward — actions prosecutors allege constitute theft, though defense sources strongly dispute that characterization.
Miller’s attorney, Joel M. Spitzer, told FreeWire that his client is “looking forward to having her day in court” and believes the case will go to trial.
Legal experts familiar with similar cases in Crawford County have noted that the prosecutor’s office is known to over-indict by one or two degrees to gain leverage during plea negotiations — a pattern some attorneys say is used to pressure defendants into accepting deals.
A Pattern of Complaints
Public complaints and Better Business Bureau filings reflect long-standing frustrations from guests who stayed at the Hideaway Inn. In multiple cases, customers say they were promised amenities such as massages, dinner service, or access to spa equipment, only to be told those services were unavailable after arrival. Some guests reported leaving early due to the lack of services and were allegedly promised refunds that were never issued.
In one complaint filed in October 2023, a couple celebrating their anniversary was told shortly after arrival that the massage therapists often “don’t show up,” and later informed that their scheduled massage had been canceled. They also could not receive dinner on Sunday due to staff illness and left the inn early after being led to believe a refund would be provided. When it wasn’t, the couple claimed they were met with dismissiveness and unclear explanations.
Another guest cited mildew smells, broken fixtures, and non-functioning spa features. When requesting a partial refund, they were allegedly told they had received a discounted rate and offered credit toward a future stay — despite the property being up for sale.
The business’s responses to complaints have often included denials, accusations that guests lied or damaged property, or assertions that amenities were misused. In one case involving a broken refrigerator, a guest claimed $200 in groceries were ruined; the owner responded by accusing the guest of breaking the appliance and causing further damage.
What Comes Next
The Hideaway Inn has faced mounting scrutiny from both past guests and the local community in recent years. This latest indictment adds to a growing list of legal and reputational challenges for Miller.
At the time of publication, no trial date has been set.
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What is happening at the Inn during this time? Is it still for sale. If so, please advise.