Federal prosecutors accuse former Myrtle Beach pastor John Paul Miller of cyberstalking his wife, Mica Miller, in the months leading up to her death ruled a suicide.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – Former Myrtle Beach pastor John Paul Miller is facing serious federal charges in a cyberstalking case connected to the investigation into the death of his wife, Mica Miller.
Miller, 46, appeared Monday in U.S. District Court in Florence, South Carolina, where he was arraigned on federal counts of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. A federal grand jury returned the indictment last week.
Miller entered a not-guilty plea to both charges.
If convicted, Miller faces up to five years in federal prison for cyberstalking and up to two additional years for making false statements.
Bond Conditions Include Ankle Monitor and Travel Restrictions
During Monday’s hearing, Miller waived his right to a speedy trial — a move his attorneys said is standard in complex federal cases. He was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond, but with strict conditions.
Federal judges ordered Miller to wear an ankle monitor, barred him from leaving the state of South Carolina, and prohibited him from contacting potential witnesses or any members of Mica Miller’s family.
Cameras captured Miller leaving the courthouse wearing a silver suit, offering no public comment as he exited.
Allegations Paint Pattern of Obsession and Control
According to the federal indictment, prosecutors allege Miller engaged in a prolonged campaign of harassment and surveillance against Mica Miller from November 2022 until her death on April 27, 2024.
The indictment alleges Miller:
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Sent repeated unwanted and harassing messages to Mica
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Contacted her more than 50 times in a single day on at least one occasion
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Posted a nude photo of Mica online without her consent
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Arranged for tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle
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Interfered with her finances and daily activities
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Damaged her vehicle’s tires
Federal prosecutors also allege Miller purchased a tire-deflation device online and sent messages to others discussing Mica’s vehicle — contradicting his claims to investigators that he had no involvement in damaging her car.
Alleged Lies to Federal Agents
Investigators say Miller told federal authorities he hired a private investigator to protect Mica from purchasing firearms. However, prosecutors allege that explanation was false and that the investigator was actually hired to monitor and cyberstalk her over suspected infidelity.
Federal agents later accused Miller of lying during interviews conducted as part of the investigation.
Kevin Moore, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Columbia Field Office, described Miller’s alleged behavior as “predatory.”
Longstanding Questions Surrounding Mica Miller’s Death
As previously reported by The North Carolina Beat, Mica Miller was found dead in Lumberton, North Carolina, with a gunshot wound to the head in April 2024.
Authorities later ruled her death a suicide — a conclusion that sparked widespread public outrage, protests, and calls for a federal investigation.
While Miller has not been charged in connection with Mica’s death, his federal indictment stems directly from conduct alleged to have occurred before her passing.
John Paul Miller Indictment by dylan.leatherwood
Miller formerly served as pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach. Following Mica’s death, both Miller and the church became the focus of protests, public demonstrations, and online scrutiny.
