A former Myrtle Beach pastor faces federal charges for allegedly cyberstalking his estranged wife until her tragic suicide, exposing how technology can weaponize domestic abuse.
Story Highlights
- John Paul Miller indicted on federal cyberstalking and lying charges related to harassment campaign against estranged wife
- Alleged abuse included posting nude photos online, vehicle tracking, tire sabotage, and over 50 contacts in single day
- Wife died by suicide on April 27, 2024, after sustained harassment from November 2022 until her death
- Former pastor faces up to 7 years in prison and $250,000 fine if convicted on both counts
Federal Charges Detail Systematic Harassment Campaign
John Paul Miller, 46, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Columbia on two felony counts stemming from his alleged cyberstalking campaign against his 30-year-old estranged wife. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for South Carolina announced charges covering conduct from November 2022 until the victim’s death on April 27, 2024. Miller faces arraignment on January 12, 2026, in Florence federal court, where he could receive up to five years for cyberstalking and two years for making false statements to investigators.
Technology Used as Weapon for Control and Intimidation
Federal investigators documented Miller’s alleged use of digital tools to terrorize his estranged wife during their divorce proceedings. Accusations include posting nude photographs of her online without consent, arranging vehicle tracking devices to monitor her movements, and contacting her more than 50 times in a single day. This pattern represents a disturbing trend where abusers exploit technology to maintain control over victims even after separation, undermining their safety and privacy.
The indictment also alleges Miller engaged in financial interference and sabotaged his wife’s vehicle by deliberately damaging her tires using a deflation device he purchased online. These actions demonstrate how domestic abusers combine digital harassment with physical sabotage to maximize their victims’ distress and dependency. Such coordinated campaigns often escalate during divorce proceedings when abusers fear losing control permanently.
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Pastor’s Lies to Federal Investigators Compound Charges
Miller’s alleged deception during the federal investigation adds a second felony count to his indictment. Despite evidence showing his online purchase of tire deflation devices and messages to others about the sabotage, Miller reportedly lied to federal investigators about damaging his wife’s vehicle. This obstruction charge highlights how perpetrators often compound their crimes by attempting to evade accountability through false statements to law enforcement.
The case exposes concerning questions about pastoral accountability and the abuse of religious authority. Miller held a position of trust as a community religious leader while allegedly orchestrating a sustained harassment campaign against his vulnerable spouse. This betrayal of sacred trust demands serious examination of how religious institutions screen and monitor leaders who may exploit their positions to harm others, particularly family members.
Sources:
Myrtle Beach Pastor Indicted for Cyberstalking Estranged Wife
Pastor Charged with Alleged Cyberstalking of Wife Who Died by Suicide
Myrtle Beach Pastor Indicted for Cyberstalking Wife Before Her Death
