Pocono News Section

Some Say a Bar had a Party to Celebrate a State Trooper's Murder

Some Say a Bar had a Party to Celebrate a State Trooper's Murder - Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 4:30PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2009 @ 04:30pm EST
SCIOTA, MONROE COUNTY - Did a bar in the Poconos have a party to celebrate a State Trooper's death or is it just a nasty rumor?

For weeks the parking lot has been mostly empty at the Old Mill Pub in Sciota. Bar owner Bryan Schmidt said, "This is the most frustrating thing that I've ever had to deal with in my life."

He told Eyewitness News his business is down by as much as 75%. It's all because of an email and flyer circulating around Monroe County. "It's cripled my business and it's embarrassed me and done severe damage to my reputation," said Schmidt.

The email claims the bar hosted a party to celebrate State Trooper Josh Miller's death. It claimed patrons were glad Miller died because he was well known for making DUI arrests. Schmidt said, "There is not a shred of truth to it what-so-ever."

He said he would never celebrate the death or allow his customers to celebrate it. He explained, "That's the ultimate honorable sacrifice and I have nothing but gratitude for his service."

Eyewitness News learned Stroud Area Regional Police Officer Sarah Schramer used her work email account to circulate the information. "She should be reprimanded," demanded Schmidt.

Police Captain William Parrish couldn't say whether or not the officer would be reprimanded because it is a personnel matter. He did say employees are not allowed to use work email for personal business. He added her letter does not reflect the opinion of the entire department. He explained, "I have no information to indicate that any of that information is true or correct."

The Captain doesn't know where Schramer heard the story but he does know she wrote the email shortly after Trooper Miller's funeral, during an emotional time. He said, "I can understand this information being relayed by officer Schramer. I can't condone it. But I can understand it."

Schmidt said he understands the emotions but added that doesn't make up for his lost business. He said, "I would like a public apology."

Sara Schramer is an honored crisis negotiator and her fellow officers say she does excellent work. Some believe she sent the email because she was upset about the Trooper's funeral and wanted to warn others about something she believed to be true.

Eyewitness News tried to reach Schramer to find out where she heard the story but she did not return repeated phone calls.