Myrtle Beach, January 13, 2026
John-Paul Miller, a former pastor from Myrtle Beach, has pleaded not guilty to charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. The charges stem from a two-count indictment alleging deliberate harassment towards his estranged wife. This case has garnered public attention after the woman’s tragic death was ruled a suicide. In court, conditions for Miller’s release were set, including monitoring and restrictions involving potential witnesses. The investigation continues as his next court appearance is anticipated soon.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina – In a significant development, John-Paul Miller, a former Myrtle Beach pastor, appeared in federal court on Monday, January 12, 2026, where he entered a plea of not guilty to federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. This appearance marks a notable juncture in a case that has drawn considerable public attention and follows a federal grand jury indictment issued in December 2025.
Recent Legal Proceedings and Allegations
The federal charges against Miller stem from a two-count indictment that alleges a pattern of harassment and deceit. Prosecutors contend that Miller engaged in cyberstalking behavior directed at his estranged wife, Mica Miller, from November 2022 until her death on April 27, 2024.
Specific allegations outlined in the indictment include sending numerous unwanted and harassing communications, contacting Mica Miller over 50 times in a single day on at least one occasion, and posting a nude photograph of her online without consent. Furthermore, it is alleged that Miller caused tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, interfered with her finances and daily activities, and damaged her vehicle’s tires. These acts, prosecutors assert, constituted a prolonged campaign of harassment and coercive control.
False Statements to Investigators
Beyond the cyberstalking allegations, Miller also faces a charge of making false statements to federal investigators. The indictment specifies that Miller reportedly lied about his motivations for hiring a private investigator, claiming it was for Mica Miller’s protection against purchasing firearms, when in actuality, it was allegedly to cyberstalk her over suspicions of infidelity. He also denied damaging her vehicle’s tires, despite evidence suggesting he purchased a tire deflation device online and communicated with others about her vehicle.
During Monday’s hearing, Magistrate Judge Thomas E. Rogers III set Miller’s bond at $100,000. Conditions of his release include location monitoring via an ankle monitor, submission to drug tests if required, and a prohibition against leaving the state of South Carolina without prior authorization. He is also explicitly barred from having any direct or indirect contact with any potential victim or witness in the investigation or prosecution. Prosecutors raised concerns about Miller being a potential flight risk, citing the discovery of large sums of cash, silver bars, and coins in a safe at his home during an FBI search.
Miller waived his right to a speedy trial, a common procedure in complex federal cases, and his next court appearance is anticipated to be in March.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Mica Miller was found deceased on April 27, 2024, in Lumber River State Park, North Carolina, with her death subsequently ruled a suicide by 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 indicating her intent to take her own life, wishing for her family to locate her.
The circumstances surrounding Mica Miller’s death initiated public scrutiny and led to a federal investigation. In May 2024, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina requested federal authorities to assist with a “parallel investigation.” FBI agents conducted a search of John-Paul Miller’s Myrtle Beach home in November 2024, describing it as “court-authorized law enforcement activity.” This search occurred months after Miller had been thrust into the public eye following his announcement of his wife’s passing from his church pulpit.
Prior to these federal charges, Mica Miller had reportedly filed for divorce multiple times and had contacted police on several occasions regarding harassment and feeling fearful for her life. Police reports indicated that her tires were slashed in March 2024, and a GPS tracker was found on her car.
While the federal indictment does not charge Miller with causing Mica Miller’s death, it details a persistent pattern of alleged harassment and control in the period leading up to it. The investigation into John-Paul Miller remains ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the recent federal charges against John-Paul Miller?
John-Paul Miller, a former Myrtle Beach pastor, has been indicted on federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators.
When did John-Paul Miller appear in federal court?
John-Paul Miller appeared in federal court on Monday, January 12, 2026.
What was John-Paul Miller’s plea to the federal charges?
John-Paul Miller pleaded not guilty to both federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements.
What are some of the allegations of cyberstalking against John-Paul Miller?
Allegations include sending numerous unwanted and harassing communications, contacting Mica Miller over 50 times in a single day, posting a nude photograph of her online without consent, placing tracking devices on her vehicle, interfering with her finances, and damaging her vehicle’s tires.
What false statements is John-Paul Miller accused of making to investigators?
He is accused of lying about the purpose of hiring a private investigator (claiming it was for protection but allegedly for cyberstalking over infidelity) and denying damaging Mica Miller’s tires despite evidence.
What were the bond conditions set for John-Paul Miller?
John-Paul Miller was released on a $100,000 bond, with conditions including location monitoring via an ankle monitor, potential drug tests, prohibition from leaving South Carolina without authorization, and no contact with victims or witnesses.
When did Mica Miller die, and how was her death ruled?
Mica Miller died on April 27, 2024, and her death was ruled a suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
When did the FBI search John-Paul Miller’s home?
The FBI conducted a search of John-Paul Miller’s Myrtle Beach home in November 2024.
Key Features of the John-Paul Miller Case
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Defendant | John-Paul Miller, former Myrtle Beach pastor |
| Recent Court Appearance | Federal court, Florence, South Carolina, Monday, January 12, 2026 |
| Charges | Cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators |
| Plea | Not Guilty to all charges |
| Indictment Date | December 2025 (federal grand jury) |
| Alleged Cyberstalking Period | November 2022 until Mica Miller’s death on April 27, 2024 |
| Bond Amount | $100,000 unsecured bond |
| Bond Conditions | Ankle monitor, drug testing (if required), prohibition from leaving South Carolina without authorization, no contact with victims/witnesses |
| Mica Miller’s Death | April 27, 2024, ruled a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound in Lumber River State Park, North Carolina |
| FBI Home Search | November 2024, described as “court-authorized law enforcement activity” |
| Next Court Appearance | Anticipated in March (due to waiver of speedy trial rights) |
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
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