John Miller/fbi photo

By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
WASHINGTON — John Miller, the chief FBI spokesman who enjoyed the confidence of FBI Director Robert Mueller III, announced Tuesday that he is stepping down to join the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, according to people familiar with his situation.

Miller, a former anchor and reporter for ABC News, announced that he was stepping down at a meeting at headquarters Tuesday morning. He is expected to leave the bureau at the end of September to become assistant deputy director of intelligence analysis for the Office of Director of National Intelligence.

In 2003, after leaving ABC, Miller became chief of the Los Angeles Police Department Counter-Terrorism and Criminal Intelligence Bureau. In August 2005, he became the FBI’s first non agent to head up the public affairs office.

In 1994, he served as New York Police Department deputy commissioner and was the chief spokesman. He did not immediately return a phone call for comment

Miller was known as a colorful and powerful personality, who had plenty friends, but also some critics. On the upside, he had the confidence of the director, his opinion was valued at headquarters and according to one person, he contributed far beyond the media job, helping the FBI evolve as a counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism agency.

But there were critics within the FBI, some who thought he was too much of a “wannabe” who tried too hard to act like an agent.