Arthur H. Miller

Arthur H. Miller

The final chapter for Arthur H. Miller, the University of Iowa political science professor accused of bribing students for sexual favors in exchange for grades, closed Tuesday with a positive identification of his body.

Using dental records, the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the body found in Hickory Hill Park on Sunday in Iowa City was indeed that of Miller.

Miller, 66, had been reported missing last Wednesday by his wife and was eventually found in the park by Daniel Hoover, 51, of Marion, who works for the Linn County Underwater Search and Recovery unit, the Press-Citizen reported. Although the search for Miller had been suspended by the Iowa City Police Department Thursday evening, Hoover wanted to give it a shot.

“It was something because of past associations that I thought I could do,” Hoover told the Press-Citizen. “I didn’t think it would bother me if I did find a body, so I thought I would give it a try.”

Miller, who was put on administrative leave by the UI in May as the school and police officials investigated allegations of sexual misconduct, was arrested Aug. 8 and charged with four counts of soliciting a bribe, a class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. He was accused of allegedly offering four of his students better grades if they bared their breasts or let him fondle them.

News of his arrest reportedly led to Miller’s downward spiral, which culminated with his suicide in the park.

With Miller’s death, the criminal case is closed, Johnson County Attorney Janet Lyness told the Press-Citizen.

Upon confirmation of Miller’s death, UI President Sally Mason issued a statement Wednesday. “We extend our sympathies to the family, friends, and colleagues of Arthur Miller,” Mason said. “The loss of Professor Miller’s life is very sad news. No one would have wished for such a tragic end to this difficult situation.”