South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller faces assault charges following a heated clash with a protester outside his church.
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MYRTLE BEACH, SC
– The controversy surrounding South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller intensified this week, following an alleged assault on a protester outside his Myrtle Beach church. Miller, whose wife Mica Miller died by suicide in April, now faces third-degree assault charges amid escalating public scrutiny.
The pastor, 45, was taken into custody on Wednesday after a confrontation with a member of the “Justice for Mica” movement, a group that has gathered support in the wake of Mica Miller’s death. Miller spent the night in jail and was released Thursday morning on a $776 bond after a 20-minute hearing. The altercation was captured on video by news crews, showing Miller in a heated exchange with the protester.
A Troubled History: Mica Miller’s Death and Public Outcry
The tragic story began in April when Mica Miller, 30, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at North Carolina’s Lumber River State Park. Her death came just two days after she filed for divorce from her husband, fueling public interest and concern. Mica’s family has since called for a comprehensive investigation, alleging that Miller had a long history of controlling behavior and abuse toward his wife.
Family members claim that Miller “groomed” Mica beginning at the age of 10, slashed her tires, and even installed a tracking device on her car. Mica reportedly served him with divorce papers shortly before her death. In response, Miller has denied all allegations, publicly attributing his wife’s actions to struggles with mental illness.
After Mica’s passing, Miller reportedly announced her death casually during a sermon at Solid Rock, stating, “I got a call late last night, my wife has passed away. It was self-induced and it was up in North Carolina.”
Details of the Recent Confrontation and Arrest
Miller’s recent arrest unfolded on Wednesday outside the Solid Rock church. According to WBTW, Miller confronted a woman protesting with the “Justice for Mica” group, demanding, “What did you say? You walked right up to me.” The video shows Miller gesturing toward the woman, who then claimed he put his hands on her.
Shortly after the incident, law enforcement arrested Miller and charged him with third-degree assault and battery. Miller has not commented on the altercation, and both he and a church advisor declined to speak to local reporters.
FBI Involvement Raises Further Questions
Just days before the incident, FBI agents executed a search warrant at Miller’s home, seizing various items, including computer equipment. While Miller’s attorney indicated he was unaware of the reason behind the search, authorities clarified that the investigation is unrelated to Mica’s death. However, the FBI’s involvement has only deepened public interest and speculation surrounding the pastor.
The search also led to significant changes at the church itself. The Solid Rock building was cleared of belongings, and its phone and website were disconnected, WBTW reported.
Church and Real Estate Holdings
Beyond his role as a pastor, Miller is closely tied to substantial real estate interests associated with Solid Rock Ministries. The church, along with Miller’s home, forms part of a $5.59 million real estate portfolio.
Additionally, WBTW noted that Miller recently registered a new religious entity named “Living Water Church at Market Common Inc.,” sparking questions about the future of Solid Rock’s Myrtle Beach location and Miller’s intentions going forward.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Division
The investigation surrounding John-Paul Miller continues to unfold, drawing mixed reactions from the Myrtle Beach community. As law enforcement examines new evidence, Mica’s family and supporters remain vocal in their demands for answers and justice.
With Miller’s recent arrest and the active FBI investigation, the story of Mica Miller’s tragic death and the controversies around it show no signs of fading from the public eye.
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