COEUR d'ALENE - A 38-year-old lieutenant for Northern Lakes Fire District has been charged with four felony counts in Kootenai County court for sex acts with a child.

Billy E. Miller Jr., an Athol resident, is accused of having sex on multiple occasions with a junior-high aged girl in 2009 and 2010. The alleged victim today is 16.

In 2007, Miller was recognized as Northern Lakes' firefighter of the year. An article in The Press at that time said he started as a volunteer for the district and began working full time in 2000.

Northern Lakes Fire Chief Dean S. Marcus said Monday that Miller is on paid administrative leave until the district receives more information. Miller was arrested Thursday.

"It came as a total surprise to us," Marcus said. "We have no reason to believe there was any wrongdoing" while Miller was supposed to be working.

Court documents said Miller has been earning $4,000 gross per month from the district. He worked at station No. 1 in Hayden.

A criminal complaint filed in Kootenai County court said Miller is charged with "infamous crime against nature," two counts of lewd conduct with a child, and one count of sexual abuse of a child. Miller faces up to life in prison if convicted of lewd conduct with a child.

His first appearance in court was Friday. His bail was set at $150,000. He remained in the Kootenai County jail Monday.

The alleged crime occurred at his home on the 26000 block of North Harrier Lane in Athol.

Miller, according to a Kootenai County Sheriff's Department investigation report, allegedly admitted to having sex with the minor. He used a condom to prevent pregnancy, the report said. He also allegedly admitted to receiving oral sex from the girl.

He told investigators he was in a tough place emotionally when the acts occurred.

In a written confession, he wrote, "There has been some significant depression in my life since my father's death."

Court documents said Miller's father died in 2009.

Miller is married with three daughters. He has been living in the area since about 1993, court documents said.