Myrtle Beach, January 15, 2026
Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller faces federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements regarding the investigation of his estranged wife’s death. Appearing in court, Miller pleaded not guilty, and a $100,000 bond was set with conditions including location monitoring. The indictment outlines a lengthy campaign of harassment leading up to his wife’s tragic death by suicide. The case has attracted significant public attention and prompted FBI involvement, given the troubling allegations and Miller’s alleged threats against the victim’s family.
Myrtle Beach: Federal Charges Against John-Paul Miller in Wife’s Death Investigation Proceed
Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller appeared in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, on Monday, January 12, 2026, where he entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators. The arraignment marks a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings connected to the circumstances surrounding the death of his estranged wife, Mica Miller, in April 2024. The federal indictment alleges a sustained campaign of harassment that reportedly spanned nearly two years leading up to Mica Miller’s passing.
During the court appearance, prosecutors presented arguments that led to a $100,000 bond being set for Miller. As conditions of his release, he is now subjected to location monitoring via an ankle monitor and is prohibited from leaving the state of South Carolina without authorization. Further conditions include submitting to drug tests and a strict prohibition against contacting any potential victims or witnesses, including Mica Miller’s family. The prosecution asserted that Miller posed a flight risk, citing the discovery of substantial sums of cash, silver bars, and coins in a safe at his home by FBI investigators. Allegations were also made that Miller had repeatedly threatened Mica Miller’s family and individuals who cooperated with law enforcement.
Details of the Indictment and Investigation
The federal indictment, brought against John-Paul Miller in late 2025, details a pattern of alleged harassment that began around November 2022 and continued until the day of Mica Miller’s death on April 27, 2024. The allegations include sending “unwanted and harassing communications,” contacting Mica Miller more than 50 times in a single day on at least one occasion, and posting a nude photograph of her online without her consent. Furthermore, Miller is accused of interfering with his wife’s finances and daily activities and allegedly damaging her vehicle’s tires. When questioned by the FBI about these instances, Miller reportedly made false statements, denying interference with Mica Miller’s tires despite evidence indicating he had purchased a tire deflation device. He also allegedly lied about the motivations for hiring a private investigator, claiming it was for protection when it was for surveillance.
Context of Mica Miller’s Tragic Death
Mica Miller, 30, died by suicide at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024. Authorities ruled her death a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Surveillance footage from earlier that day showed her purchasing a firearm and ammunition in Myrtle Beach. She had also placed a 911 call herself before her death, expressing concerns she might harm herself. Her death occurred less than 48 hours after she had served divorce papers to John-Paul Miller.
The circumstances surrounding Mica Miller’s death garnered significant public attention and led to widespread calls for investigation, including the #JusticeForMica movement. John-Paul Miller, a former pastor at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, came under scrutiny shortly after her death when he announced her passing from the pulpit. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina had requested federal involvement in May 2024, after uncovering information that, while not directly related to the cause of death, warranted further review, leading to the federal indictment.
Miller’s next court appearance is anticipated in March, as he waived his right to a trial within 70 days. If convicted of cyberstalking, he faces a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, and up to two additional years for making false statements. He also faces potential fines of up to $250,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What federal charges does John-Paul Miller face?
A: John-Paul Miller faces federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators.
Q: When did John-Paul Miller appear in federal court?
A: John-Paul Miller appeared in federal court on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Q: What was John-Paul Miller’s plea to the charges?
A: He entered a plea of not guilty to both federal charges.
Q: What are the conditions of John-Paul Miller’s bond?
A: His bond was set at $100,000, and he is subjected to location monitoring via an ankle monitor, prohibited from leaving South Carolina without authorization, required to submit to drug tests, and barred from contacting potential victims or witnesses.
Q: What evidence did the FBI reportedly find in John-Paul Miller’s home?
A: FBI investigators reportedly found large sums of cash, silver bars, and coins in a safe at his home.
Q: What are some of the alleged cyberstalking behaviors outlined in the indictment?
A: Allegations include sending unwanted and harassing communications, contacting Mica Miller over 50 times in one day, posting a nude photograph of her online without consent, interfering with her finances, and damaging her vehicle’s tires.
Q: How did Mica Miller die?
A: Authorities ruled Mica Miller’s death a suicide from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024.
Q: What is the maximum sentence John-Paul Miller could face if convicted?
A: If convicted of cyberstalking, he faces a maximum of five years in federal prison, and up to two additional years for making false statements, along with potential fines up to $250,000.
Key Aspects of the John-Paul Miller Case
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | John-Paul Miller, former Myrtle Beach pastor |
| Federal Court Appearance | Monday, January 12, 2026, in Florence, South Carolina |
| Charges | Cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 |
| Bond Conditions | Ankle monitor, no leaving South Carolina without permission, drug tests, no contact with victims/witnesses, surrender of passport |
| Alleged Harassment Period | November 2022 until April 27, 2024 (Mica Miller’s death) |
| Nature of Allegations | Unwanted communications, over 50 calls in one day, posting nude photo, tracking devices on vehicle, financial interference, tire damage |
| Mica Miller’s Death | Ruled suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound on April 27, 2024, at Lumber River State Park, NC |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 5 years for cyberstalking, up to 2 years for false statements; fines up to $250,000 |
| Next Court Appearance | Expected in March (after waiving right to speedy trial) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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