Professor Accused of Fondling Students' Breasts in Exchange for Higher Grades Is Missing

IOWA CITY, Iowa – A University of Iowa professor accused of asking to fondle female students in exchange for higher grades is missing.

Arthur Miller was reported missing Wednesday morning, police said. They said they received a telephone call but would not say who the caller was or where they were calling from.

Police also did not say how long Miller has been missing.

Miller's wife confirmed that he is missing but declined further comment.

The political science professor was charged on Aug. 8 with four counts of accepting bribes after he allegedly asked female students to let him fondle them in return for better grades.

Police said he allegedly asked to touch the breasts of four female students between May 8 and 13. In return, he would give the students "A's" in his class.

Miller's wife, Natasha Ivanova, said earlier this month that she doesn't believe the allegations.

"The whole situation is very sad for us," Ivanova said. "I believe these accusations are false. We, as a family, are looking forward to the day all of these charges are dropped and his name is cleared."

University spokesman Steve Parrott said earlier this month that the university is conducting its own investigation, separate from the criminal case. Miller is on paid leave and has been barred from having any contact with students until the criminal case is resolved, Parrott said.

University police seized 47 sets of e-mails from Miller's university account. Police found correspondences with 10 students, university staff and other faculty.

E-mails with students discussed meetings about grades, an extension, a final, assistance and "grades and offer by Miller to negotiate," according to court documents.

Miller has been a member of the University of Iowa faculty since 1985.