A South Carolina pastor has been indicted on federal charges following allegations he conducted a prolonged campaign of cyberstalking and harassment against his estranged wife in the months leading up to her death.
Federal Indictment Details Alleged Harassment Campaign
John Paul Miller, 46, the pastor of Solid Rock at Market Common church, now faces charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. The indictment, issued by the US Attorney's Office for South Carolina, alleges that Miller's campaign against Mica Miller began in November 2022 and continued until her death.
The federal charges outline a disturbing pattern of behaviour. Prosecutors claim Miller sent unwanted and harassing communications to Mica. In one instance, he is accused of contacting her more than 50 times in a single day. The indictment also alleges he posted a nude photograph of her online without consent.
Further accusations include interfering with Mica Miller's finances, damaging her car tyres on one occasion, and causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle.
Private Investigator Hired Months Before Tragedy
Court documents obtained by local media reveal a new layer to the case. It is alleged that Miller hired a private investigator to follow his estranged wife for months, purportedly to see if she was being unfaithful. When questioned by investigators in October 2024, Miller reportedly admitted hiring the investigator but claimed it was to prevent Mica from purchasing a firearm.
The tragic culmination of this period occurred on April 27, 2024, when Mica Miller was found fatally shot at Lumber River State Park in Orrum, North Carolina. The Robeson County Medical Examiner ruled her death a suicide, stating the wound was consistent with a self-inflicted gunshot and was not to the back of the head.
Divorce Papers and a Chilling Warning
The heartbreaking discovery came shortly after Mica Miller had served her husband with divorce papers. An affidavit filed in Horry County Probate Court by Mica's sister, Sierra Francis, contained a chilling statement. "Mica stated to me on many occasions, 'if I end up with a bullet in my head, it was not by me, it was JP,'" the affidavit read.
The indictment also charges Miller with lying to federal investigators, specifically in relation to denying he damaged Mica's tyres. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years for making false statements, along with a potential fine of up to $250,000. He has not been charged with any violent offences related to Mica's death.
An arraignment hearing for John Paul Miller is scheduled for January 12, 2026.
For mental health support, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit samaritans.org.
