Ezra Miller is an American actor best known for playing Credence Barebone in the Fantastic Beasts films and as superhero The Flash in the DC Extended Universe movies. Miller has received significant media attention in 2022 for a string of arrests and controversial incidents that displayed erratic, dangerous behavior. Their legal troubles culminated in Miller pleading guilty to a burglary charge in early 2023 and receiving a suspended prison sentence. In this article, we’ll examine Miller’s multiple arrests, the burglary case details, and what led up to the actor ultimately avoiding jail time but getting a criminal record.
Background on Ezra Miller
Ezra Miller, who uses they/them pronouns, was born in 1992 in New Jersey. They got their start acting as a teenager with a breakout role in the 2008 film Afterschool. Miller then landed a string of indie movie roles before getting cast as Credence Barebone in the 2016 Harry Potter prequel Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Their career reached new heights playing superhero The Flash/Barry Allen in several DC films like Justice League and The Flash standalone movie due in 2023. But away from blockbuster sets, Miller was exhibiting troubling behavior that led to multiple arrests in 2022.
Arrest #1 in Hawaii
In March 2022, Ezra Miller was arrested at a karaoke bar in Hawaii and charged with disorderly conduct and harassment. According to police reports and witnesses, Miller had become agitated by patrons singing karaoke and lunged at a man playing darts. They swore at and grabbed the microphone from a woman singing.
Miller was arrested at the scene and released on $500 bail. Just weeks later in April 2022, they got into more legal trouble in Hawaii.
Arrest #2 in Hawaii
Miller was arrested again in Hawaii, this time for second-degree assault. They allegedly threw a chair which hit a 26-year-old woman on the forehead, resulting in an inch-long cut. Police located Miller shortly after the incident at a Hilo residence and took them into custody.
The woman declined treatment for her head injury. Miller posted $500 bail and left the police station. Hawaii authorities already had concerns about the actor’s behavior and threats they had made.
Temporary Restraining Order
Also in March 2022, Hawaii couple Chase Iron Eyes and Sara Jumping Eagle filed court petitions seeking a temporary restraining order against Ezra Miller. According to their filings, Miller burst into their bedroom and threatened them while carrying a firearm.
A judge granted a temporary protective order requiring Miller to stay away from the couple. Just days later, Miller was served with the court order but refused to accept it. Their erratic actions while in Hawaii displayed violent tendencies and disregard for the law.
Burglary Charge in Vermont
In August 2022, Vermont State Police responded to a burglary complaint in Stamford, Vermont involving Ezra Miller. Police investigated and found that several alcohol bottles were taken from an unoccupied residence while the homeowners were away.
After collecting statements and reviewing surveillance footage, police charged Miller with felony burglary into an unoccupied dwelling. This fourth arrest in 2022 added a much more severe criminal charge compared to Miller’s previous incidents.
Guilty Plea Deal
Facing up to 25 years in prison on the Vermont burglary charge, Ezra Miller pleaded guilty in October 2022 to resolve the case with a plea deal. As part of the deal, Miller agreed to a suspended sentence of 90 days in jail for the burglary, plus a year of probation.
The plea bargain also required Miller to pay a $500 fine, complete substance abuse and mental health counseling, and stay away from the victims. While Miller avoided actual jail time, the felony conviction gave them a criminal record moving forward.
Reasons Behind the Troubling Behavior
Ezra Miller’s string of arrests and their erratic conduct in 2022 raised concerns about substance issues and the actor’s mental health. Miller has acknowledged suffering from mental health problems in the past, which may explain the belligerent behavior.
Some reports also indicated Miller was the target of bullying as a child, potentially leading to lingering trauma. All of the stress and pressures surrounding their massive Hollywood film roles at a young age may have taken a toll as well.
While these factors provide context, Miller took responsibility for the unacceptable incidents by accepting the plea deal for the Vermont burglary charge. Their public apologies also showed readiness to learn and grow from a very difficult chapter.
Impact on Miller’s Career
Miller’s criminal case and concerning conduct threatened to derail their acting career and prospects of continuing on as The Flash in future DC films. But Warner Bros ultimately decided to move forward with releasing The Flash solo movie in 2023 after Miller sought professional help.
It remains to be seen, however, if Miller will retain the Flash role for the long run following their legal situation and behavior. For now, the studio appears willing to give them one more chance to star in 2023’s big budget The Flash film given Miller’s efforts to take accountability. But their days portraying a hero onscreen may be numbered.
More important than career implications, Miller needs to focus on mental health treatment and avoiding any further arrests. While they narrowly escaped jail time following the Vermont burglary, any repeat incidents could land them behind bars.
Conclusion
Ezra Miller’s series of arrests for disorderly conduct, assault and burglary displayed very troubling behavior from the young actor in 2022. Miller pleaded guilty to a burglary charge in Vermont and accepted a plea deal including probation and a suspended 90-day jail sentence.
Legal experts said the plea bargain showed prosecutors found Miller’s mental health issues a mitigating factor in pursuing a conviction with no actual incarceration. But Miller is not entirely off the hook and needs continued counseling and substance abuse treatment.
Looking ahead, Miller hopes to get their once-promising career back on track following a rough period filled with legal scandals. But their days portraying The Flash may be numbered given the severity of the incidents. For now, Miller will aim to keep a low profile, satisfy all probation terms, and avoid any further violent or criminal acts.