A federal grand jury has indicted a former South Carolina pastor for cyberstalking his estranged wife until her death, exposing how digital harassment can escalate to deadly consequences even among those who preach moral authority.
Story Highlights
- John Paul Miller, 46, former pastor at Market Common Community Church, faces federal cyberstalking charges related to his wife’s death
- Federal prosecutors allege Miller harassed Mica Miller electronically during divorce proceedings until she died
- Miller also charged with making false statements to federal authorities investigating the case
- Each federal charge carries potential five-year prison sentences if convicted
From Pulpit to Defendant’s Chair
John Paul Miller built his reputation as a spiritual leader at Market Common Community Church in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. His position afforded him trust, respect, and influence within the community. That authority now works against him as federal prosecutors paint a disturbing picture of a man who allegedly used electronic communications as weapons against his own wife.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina returned a two-count indictment charging Miller with cyberstalking under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A and making false statements to federal investigators. These aren’t minor infractions—they represent a systematic pattern of alleged digital abuse that prosecutors claim continued until Mica Miller’s death.
Digital Warfare in Divorce Proceedings
Cyberstalking charges require prosecutors to prove Miller used electronic communications to harass, intimidate, or threaten his estranged wife across state lines. This federal jurisdiction distinguishes the case from typical domestic disputes handled in state courts. The timing proves crucial—prosecutors allege Miller’s digital harassment campaign persisted throughout their divorce proceedings right up until Mica’s death.
Regina Ward, the attorney representing Mica Miller’s family, has spoken publicly about the charges and their significance. Her commentary suggests the evidence against Miller extends beyond isolated incidents to a documented pattern of electronic harassment that federal investigators found compelling enough to pursue criminal charges.
The Cover-Up Allegation
The false statement charge may prove more damaging than the cyberstalking count itself. Federal prosecutors rarely pursue lying charges unless they possess clear evidence contradicting a defendant’s claims. This suggests Miller made specific statements to investigators that prosecutors can disprove with documentation, witness testimony, or electronic evidence.
The combination of charges creates a troubling narrative: a pastor allegedly tormented his wife digitally, then attempted to deceive federal authorities investigating her death. Each charge carries a maximum five-year prison sentence, meaning Miller faces up to a decade behind bars if convicted on both counts.
Accountability in Faith Communities
This case arrives amid growing scrutiny of abuse within religious institutions. The #ChurchToo movement has exposed how positions of spiritual authority can enable and conceal domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other misconduct. Miller’s alleged behavior represents a modern twist on this ancient problem—using technology to extend control and harassment beyond physical presence.
Market Common Community Church now faces difficult questions about oversight, accountability, and the vetting of leadership. Congregants who trusted Miller’s spiritual guidance must reconcile his alleged private behavior with his public persona. This cognitive dissonance often proves more devastating to faith communities than the original misconduct itself.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Justice – Myrtle Beach Pastor Indicted for Cyberstalking Wife Before Her Death
