Myrtle Beach, December 21, 2025
John Paul Miller, a pastor from Myrtle Beach, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for cyberstalking his wife Mica before her tragic death. The indictment includes charges of harassing communications, posting intimate photos without consent, and making false statements to investigators. This case reveals the human impact of digital harassment and the serious legal consequences that can follow such actions, highlighting the importance of mental well-being in relationships.
Myrtle Beach Pastor Indicted for Cyberstalking Wife Before Her Death
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia, South Carolina, returned a two-count indictment on Thursday, December 18, 2025, against John Paul Miller, a 46-year-old pastor from Myrtle Beach. The indictment charges Miller with cyberstalking his wife, Mica Miller, in the period leading up to her death on April 27, 2024, and with making false statements to federal investigators.
This development marks a significant turn in a case that has drawn considerable attention for its somber human dimensions. The allegations state that Miller engaged in a pattern of unwanted and harassing communications directed at Mica Miller, commencing in November 2022 and continuing until the day of her passing. The FBI’s Columbia office has dedicated resources and personnel to assist in the investigation leading to this federal action, alongside several state and local agencies.
Details of the Federal Indictment
The indictment, issued by a federal grand jury, specifically alleges that John Paul Miller engaged in a course of conduct to harass and intimidate Mica Miller through electronic means. Federal cyberstalking, as defined under laws such as 18 U.S.C. § 2261A, involves using electronic communications to harass, intimidate, or cause substantial emotional distress to another person without legitimate purpose. The alleged actions detailed in the indictment include Miller posting a nude photo of Mica Miller online without her consent, causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, and in one instance, contacting her over 50 times in a single day. Furthermore, the indictment alleges interference with her finances and daily activities, and on one occasion, the damage to her vehicle tires, with Miller reportedly purchasing a tire deflation device online and discussing it with others.
Beyond the cyberstalking charge, Miller also faces a charge of making false statements to federal investigators during their inquiry into these allegations. These federal charges underscore the gravity with which authorities view acts of digital harassment and dishonesty during investigations, particularly when they precede tragic outcomes. If convicted, Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years in prison for making false statements, along with a potential fine of up to $250,000. His arraignment is scheduled for January 12, 2026, in federal court in Florence, South Carolina.
Investigative and Chronological Context
The investigative efforts leading to this indictment involved a collaborative approach by multiple law enforcement agencies. These include the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Robeson County, NC Sheriff’s Office. This multi-jurisdictional cooperation highlights the complex nature of crimes that may cross state lines or involve various local elements, necessitating a coordinated response to gather and present evidence.
The timeline of alleged conduct, beginning in November 2022 and extending until Mica Miller’s death on April 27, 2024, indicates a prolonged period of alleged harassment. Her passing brought a somber closure to this period, now further complicated by the recent federal indictment. This legal action follows a history of scrutiny and previously reported legal battles associated with John Paul Miller after his wife’s death, forming a broader context for the current charges.
The Human Element of the Law
In the quiet corners of any community, legal proceedings often intersect with deeply personal narratives, marked by profound sorrow and the intricate threads of human relationships. The federal indictment of a pastor for allegedly cyberstalking his wife before her death illuminates the profound vulnerabilities that can exist within lives, even those lived in public view. This case brings into stark relief the increasing complexities of digital interactions and their potential for profound harm, underscoring how swiftly technology can become an instrument of distress rather than connection. Federal cyberstalking laws are particularly significant due to the borderless nature of the internet, providing a consistent legal framework where state laws might vary.
The law, in its methodical and evidence-based approach, endeavors to peel back the layers of alleged conduct, seeking a factual understanding of events. It is a process that, while clinical in its application, implicitly acknowledges the human motives and consequences at play. Prosecutors must demonstrate that the accused knowingly engaged in a pattern of behavior intended to harass or intimidate the victim, causing substantial emotional distress. The pursuit of justice in such matters reflects a broader societal commitment to upholding safety and dignity, particularly in an age where personal boundaries are frequently tested in the digital realm. The meticulous examination of evidence by the legal system serves not only to address specific allegations but also to affirm a collective expectation of respectful conduct, both online and off. This federal indictment, though still in its initial stages, invites a poignant reflection on the human cost when trust erodes and the spaces meant for intimacy become conduits for distress.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Myrtle Beach pastor indicted?
- The Myrtle Beach pastor, John Paul Miller, was indicted on Thursday, December 18, 2025, by a federal grand jury in Columbia, South Carolina.
- What is the pastor accused of?
- John Paul Miller is accused of cyberstalking his wife, Mica Miller, before her death, and making false statements to federal investigators.
- What specific actions are alleged in the cyberstalking charge?
- The alleged actions include posting a nude photo of Mica Miller online without her consent, causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, contacting her over 50 times in a single day, interfering with her finances and daily activities, and damaging her vehicle tires.
- When did Mica Miller die?
- Mica Miller died on April 27, 2024.
- What is the timeline of the alleged cyberstalking?
- The indictment alleges that the cyberstalking began in November 2022 and continued until Mica Miller’s death on April 27, 2024.
- Which law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation?
- The investigation involved the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office, and the Robeson County, NC Sheriff’s Office.
- What are the potential penalties?
- If convicted, John Paul Miller faces a maximum of five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years for false statements, along with a fine of up to $250,000.
Key Details of the Indictment
| Detail | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Indicted | John Paul Miller, Pastor | State-level (Myrtle Beach, SC) |
| Date of Indictment | December 18, 2025 | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Primary Charge | Cyberstalking his wife before her death | Nationwide (Federal Crime) |
| Additional Charge | Making false statements to federal investigators | Nationwide (Federal Crime) |
| Victim | Mica Miller | State-level (Myrtle Beach, SC) |
| Date of Victim’s Death | April 27, 2024 | State-level (South Carolina) |
| Alleged Cyberstalking Period | November 2022 until April 27, 2024 | Nationwide (Federal Crime Allegation) |
| Specific Allegations | Posting nude photo online without consent, placing tracking devices, over 50 contacts in one day, interfering with finances/activities, damaging vehicle tires. | Nationwide (Federal Crime Allegations) |
| Indicting Authority | Federal Grand Jury, Columbia, South Carolina | State-level (South Carolina, Federal jurisdiction) |
| Assisting Agencies | FBI Columbia Field Office, S.C. Law Enforcement Division, Myrtle Beach Police Dept., Horry County Police Dept., Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Robeson County, NC Sheriff’s Office | Nationwide (Federal Agency and State/Local) |
| Potential Penalties | Up to 5 years for cyberstalking, 2 years for false statements, up to $250,000 fine. | Nationwide (Federal Penalties) |
| Arraignment Date | January 12, 2026 | State-level (Florence, SC, Federal Court) |
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Federal Indictment for Myrtle Beach Pastor Linked to Wife’s Death
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
