A South Carolina pastor now faces federal charges for allegedly cyberstalking his estranged wife until her death, then lying to authorities about it.
Story Overview
- Former Myrtle Beach pastor John Paul Miller indicted on two federal counts: cyberstalking his estranged wife Mica Miller until her death and making false statements to authorities
- Federal grand jury in Columbia returned indictment against 46-year-old Miller who resigned from Market Common Community Church
- Charges stem from alleged online harassment during divorce proceedings with cyberstalking continuing until Mica’s death
- Each count carries potential five-year prison sentence if convicted under federal cyberstalking laws
Federal Charges Strike Religious Leadership
John Paul Miller’s fall from pulpit to federal courthouse represents a stunning reversal for the former Market Common Community Church pastor. The 46-year-old Myrtle Beach religious leader faces two serious federal charges that could land him in prison for up to ten years. A federal grand jury in Columbia determined sufficient evidence existed to charge Miller with cyberstalking his estranged wife Mica Miller until her death and subsequently lying to federal investigators about his actions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina announced the indictment, emphasizing the gravity of using electronic means to harass and intimidate. Cyberstalking under federal law involves using internet, phone, or other electronic communication devices to cause substantial emotional distress. Miller’s alleged pattern of digital abuse occurred during increasingly contentious divorce proceedings with his wife.
Digital Abuse Behind Closed Doors
Regina Ward, the attorney representing Mica Miller’s family, provided crucial insights into the federal charges during legal commentary. She explained how cyberstalking differs from traditional harassment by utilizing electronic platforms to create ongoing psychological terror. The indictment suggests Miller weaponized technology to maintain control over his estranged wife even as their marriage crumbled through legal dissolution.
Federal prosecutors must prove Miller’s electronic communications crossed state lines and caused substantial emotional distress to secure conviction. The cyberstalking charge becomes particularly heinous given it allegedly continued until Mica’s death. Ward emphasized that the family seeks accountability for what they view as systematic abuse hidden behind Miller’s public religious persona.
Cover-Up Compounds Original Crime
Miller’s alleged false statement to federal authorities represents a separate criminal act that prosecutors often use to strengthen their primary case. This charge suggests Miller attempted to mislead investigators when questioned about his treatment of Mica. Such obstruction typically indicates consciousness of guilt and can provide prosecutors with additional leverage during plea negotiations or trial proceedings.
The false statement charge also demonstrates how modern law enforcement approaches domestic abuse cases involving public figures. Federal investigators clearly took Miller’s alleged deception seriously enough to pursue separate criminal liability. This dual-charge strategy reflects prosecutorial determination to hold Miller accountable for both the underlying abuse and subsequent attempts to evade responsibility.
Religious Community Faces Reckoning
Miller’s indictment sends shockwaves through Myrtle Beach’s religious community and raises broader questions about accountability in evangelical leadership. Market Common Community Church, where Miller previously served, now faces the difficult task of rebuilding congregation trust. The scandal highlights ongoing concerns about how churches handle domestic abuse allegations against their leaders.
This case exemplifies the importance of federal intervention when local institutions fail to address abuse adequately. The charges against Miller demonstrate that pastoral authority provides no immunity from criminal accountability. Religious communities must confront the reality that spiritual leadership can mask predatory behavior, requiring robust oversight and transparent response mechanisms when abuse allegations surface.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice – Myrtle Beach Pastor Indicted for Cyberstalking Wife Before Her Death
