by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — A former South Carolina pastor already at the center of a highly publicized tragedy is now facing federal criminal charges, as prosecutors allege he stalked and harassed his estranged wife for nearly two years before her death.
John-Paul Miller, 46, was indicted Thursday on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina. Federal prosecutors allege Miller engaged in a prolonged campaign of harassment against his wife, Mica Miller, from November 2022 until her death in April 2024.
Federal indictment outlines alleged pattern of harassment
Court documents allege Miller repeatedly sent unwanted and excessive messages, at times contacting his wife up to 50 times in a single day. Prosecutors say the conduct went beyond digital communication and included physical surveillance and interference with her daily life.
The indictment claims Miller placed tracking devices on her vehicle, damaged her tires, and disrupted her finances, creating what authorities describe as a sustained effort to intimidate and control her movements.
Alleged sharing of explicit image without consent
Among the most serious allegations, prosecutors say Miller posted an explicit photo of his wife online without her consent, an act cited as part of the cyberstalking charge. Federal officials allege the image was shared deliberately to cause distress and humiliation.
Such conduct, if proven, could carry significant penalties under federal law.
Prosecutors say Miller lied to investigators
According to the indictment, Miller is also accused of making false statements to federal investigators when questioned about damage to his wife’s vehicle.
Authorities say evidence contradicts his denials, alleging that Miller purchased a tire deflation device and later boasted to others about sabotaging her car. These alleged statements form the basis of the false-statement charge.
Death followed divorce filing
Mica Miller, 30, was found dead on April 27, 2024, at Lumber River State Park near Orrum, North Carolina. Authorities determined she died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
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Prosecutors noted that she had served Miller with divorce papers just 48 hours earlier, a detail that has drawn significant public attention as the case unfolded.
Prior accusations and civil lawsuits
Before her death, Mica Miller had reportedly accused her husband of surveillance, vehicle tampering, and involuntary hospitalization, and claimed he had exerted control over her from a young age. These allegations are not part of the current criminal indictment but are referenced in public reporting surrounding the case.
Miller has denied responsibility for his wife’s death and previously claimed her family interfered with her medical treatment. He has also denied allegations raised in two sexual assault lawsuits filed by anonymous accusers and has countersued in at least one case, alleging defamation.
Potential penalties and next court date
If convicted, Miller faces up to five years in federal prison on the cyberstalking charge, along with fines of up to $250,000, according to prosecutors.
He is scheduled to be arraigned in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, on January 12. As with all criminal proceedings, Miller is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Federal authorities emphasized that the case focuses on alleged criminal conduct occurring before Mica Miller’s death and does not allege homicide.
The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors have not ruled out additional legal action.
What responsibilities should institutions and communities have when allegations of prolonged abuse surface? Share your thoughts in the comments.
