The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has executed a search warrant at the residence of Pastor John-Paul Miller in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in connection to the death of his wife, Mica Miller. Mica Miller’s death, which was ruled a suicide approximately six months prior, has drawn national attention and sparked protests outside Solid Rock Church, where John-Paul Miller serves as pastor. Demonstrators are demanding justice for Mica amidst swirling allegations surrounding her marriage.
Last week, FBI agents conducted an authorized search at Pastor Miller’s home located on Coldwater Circle in Myrtle Beach, according to a report from WMBF News, citing FBI spokesperson Kevin Wheeler. Neighbors reported seeing FBI personnel at the house for several hours on Friday.
Pastor John-Paul Miller and Mica Miller
One neighbor, identified as Butch, expressed his shock to WMBF News, stating, “It’s just one of those things that you don’t think would ever happen where you live.” He also noted the absence of Miller’s truck, which had been present the previous day.
Mica Miller’s death was officially ruled a suicide by authorities in Robeson County, North Carolina, in April. However, the circumstances surrounding her death and the nature of her marriage to Pastor Miller have fueled widespread speculation and concern. Family members and friends have publicly voiced allegations of abuse within the marriage, suggesting it significantly contributed to Mica’s mental health challenges.
While the FBI search was underway, Pastor John-Paul Miller was not present at his home, and his current location remains undisclosed.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed ongoing communication with both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in South Carolina since the early stages of the investigation into Mica Miller’s death, indicating a collaborative effort in examining the case.
On Sunday, protests took place outside Solid Rock Church, as reported by WMBF News and Fox Carolina. Protesters, clad in purple and holding signs proclaiming “Justice for Mica,” voiced their demands for a thorough investigation and accountability.
According to an affidavit, Mica Miller’s sister, Sierra Francis, stated that Mica had expressed optimism about her future after filing for divorce from Pastor Miller on April 25. Francis further claimed, “My sister also expressed to me that she was fearful that she would not make it to the divorce and that her life would be taken from her. It is my belief, based on conversations with my sister, that she told multiple people, including other family members.”
Mica’s brother, Nathaniel Francis, corroborated these concerns in a sworn statement. He detailed instances reported by Mica to the police, including slashed tires and the discovery of tracking devices on her vehicle. Nathaniel Francis stated, “Mica made several police reports over the last few weeks of her tires being slashed and tracking devices found on her car. In Mr. Miller’s email forwarded to me, he apologizes to Mica for the tires and causing damage to her vehicle.”
Pastor John-Paul Miller has denied any culpability or wrongdoing in connection to his wife’s death. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, he attributed Mica’s suicide to her bipolar II disorder and her alleged inconsistent adherence to her prescribed medication.
Pastor Miller has acknowledged that his relationship with Mica began while both were married to other people. He stated that their affair led to significant departures from his church, requiring them to rebuild their congregation. They married in 2017, and shortly thereafter, Mica underwent surgery for an unspecified condition and received a diagnosis of “bipolar II, schizophrenic and dependent personality disorder.”
Adding to the controversy, a 2017 affidavit from Pastor Miller’s first wife, Alison, as reported by The Daily Mail, accused him of inappropriate relationships and an addiction to prostitutes. Alison Miller alleged, “He had also confessed to me and other staff members of the church that he had sexual encounters with young females from the church, who were under the age of 16.”
NewsNation reported that Pastor Miller admitted to posting a nude photograph of Mica on social media during their divorce proceedings. In an apology email cited by NewsNation, he wrote, “I’m sorry for putting a picture of you on the internet. It was for less than one hour and immediately taken down. I was hurt that you are telling everyone horrible intimate details of my past sin, and I just wanted to try and hurt you. Please forgive me. It was evil of me to do that.”
As of now, Pastor John-Paul Miller has not been formally charged with any crime related to Mica Miller’s death. The FBI’s search of his home signifies an ongoing investigation into the matter, amidst public calls for further scrutiny and justice for Mica Miller.
