South Carolina pastor faces new allegations months after wife’s suicide death, FBI raid on home

A devastating lawsuit has been filed against John-Paul Miller, a South Carolina pastor, and his father, Reginald Wayne Miller, accusing them of engaging in decades of sexual abuse and predatory behavior. The allegations describe the church as a place where the two men exploited their positions of power to manipulate and abuse vulnerable individuals, often minors. The lawsuit, filed by a woman identified as “Jane Doe,” details a harrowing account of abuse that began in 1998 when she was just 15 years old. At the time, John-Paul was 19 and allegedly assaulted her in his father’s office and later in his truck during Sunday school. The woman, now living in Indiana, claims that John-Paul’s behavior was well-known to church leadership, including his father, who failed to take action to protect the congregation or address his son’s misconduct.

The lawsuit paints a vivid picture of how John-Paul and his father used their religious influence to hide their predatory actions, creating a toxic environment where abuse thrived unchecked for years. The complainant alleges that John-Paul’s behavior continued well into adulthood. In 2023, during a visit to Myrtle Beach, the woman claims John-Paul sexually assaulted her again, this time using scripture to justify his actions. This disturbing pattern of behavior highlights the alleged hypocrisy of the two men, who publicly presented themselves as devout religious leaders while secretly exploiting their power to harm others. The lawsuit also raises questions about the financial dealings of the church and its leaders, suggesting a broader failure of accountability within the institution.

The lawsuit comes amid ongoing scrutiny of John-Paul Miller following the tragic death of his wife, Mica Miller, who took her own life in April 2023. Mica, who was 30 years old at the time of her death, had filed for divorce just two days before her passing. Her death shed light on the couple’s troubled relationship and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her final days. Mica had reportedly expressed concerns about being tracked and had reached out to law enforcement before her death. While John-Paul was not in the area at the time of her suicide, the incident added to the growing list of controversies surrounding him, including an arrest in November 2023 for assault and battery after a confrontation with protesters outside his church.

Investigations into John-Paul’s conduct have also involved federal authorities, with the FBI searching his home in November 2023. These developments have brought renewed attention to the allegations of abuse and misconduct detailed in the lawsuit. The complainant’s story, while deeply painful, underscores the broader issue of predators using positions of trust and authority to exploit vulnerable individuals. The lawsuit alleges that John-Paul and his father’s abuse was enabled by a lack of oversight and accountability within the church, which allowed their behavior to go unchecked for decades.

The lawsuit also highlights the emotional and psychological toll that such abuse can have on victims, many of whom suffer in silence for years. By coming forward, the woman identified as Jane Doe hopes to hold John-Paul and his father accountable and bring attention to the systemic failures that allowed their alleged misconduct to continue for so long. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability within institutions, particularly those that hold positions of trust and influence in their communities.

As the legal process unfolds, the case is likely to have far-reaching implications for the church and its leadership. The allegations against John-Paul and Reginald Wayne Miller have already sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about how such abuse could have been allowed to persist for so long. For the victims, the lawsuit represents a step toward justice and healing, but it also underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing predator behavior and ensuring that institutions prioritize the safety and well-being of their members. This story is a sobering reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of supporting those who have been harmed by abuse of power.