John Paul Miller, a 46-year-old pastor from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, faces federal charges for allegedly stalking his estranged wife, Mica Miller, from November 2022 until her death on April 27, 2024. Mica, 30, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a North Carolina park, ruled a suicide by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office. No charges relate to her death or physical abuse, but allegations of harassment have fueled public scrutiny, including a “Justice for Mica” Facebook group and a Change.org petition for stronger stalking victim protections.
Key Allegations from the Indictment
Federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina detailed a pattern of behavior in court documents:
- Harassing Communications: Miller sent unwanted messages and posted a nude photo of Mica online without consent.
- Private Investigator Hire: He allegedly paid someone to track her movements and check for affairs, later claiming to investigators it was to prevent her from buying a firearm.
- Vehicle Tampering: Evidence shows he bought a tire-deflating device and sought info on her car, despite denying involvement in damaging her tires.
These actions form the basis of cyberstalking charges (up to 5 years in prison) and false statements to investigators (up to 2 years), plus potential $250,000 fines.
Legal Context in South Carolina
Stalking is a serious crime under South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 16-3-1700), defined as willful, malicious, repeated harassment causing fear. Federal cyberstalking (18 U.S.C. § 2261A) escalates it when involving interstate communications or the internet, fitting this case’s cross-state elements (SC to NC). Miller’s denial to feds triggered the false statements charge (18 U.S.C. § 1001). No murder or abuse charges exist, as her death remains a suicide ruling, but civil advocates push for reviews.
Arraignment is set for January 12, 2026; the case is ongoing.
Public Reaction and Broader Implications
Mica’s family and supporters question the suicide ruling amid abuse claims, highlighting gaps in domestic violence protections. This echoes national debates on stalking laws—SC ranks high in intimate partner violence rates per CDC data. Similar cases, like high-profile pastor scandals, often spark petitions and policy pushes for better victim resources.
If you’re following local SC news or community safety, this ties into ongoing discussions around emergency responses and legal reforms in Horry County. What aspect of this case interests you most, or do you need details on related SC laws?
