Pastor indicted after allegedly posting nude photo of wife before her death
Natalie Neysa Alund, USA TODAY
Fri, December 19, 2025
Editor’s note: This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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A South Carolina pastor, whose wife died by suicide last year after she filed for divorce, has been federally indicted after being accused of posting her nude photo online and stalking her before her death.
John-Paul Miller, 46, is charged with felony charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators, according to information from the US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
Miller, who previously preached at Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, came under fire after his wife, Mica Miller, was found dead at Lumber River State Park in April 2024. The 30-year-old woman's death was ruled a suicide, but the case drew national interest after allegations that Miller abused Mica before her death came to light
According to prosecutors, Miller was indicted on Thursday, for allegedly sending "unwanted and harassing communications" to his estranged wife from November 2022 until her death.
The behavior, the indictment alleges, included posting a nude photo of his wife online without her consent, and in one instance, contacting her over 50 times in a single day. Prosecutors also allege Miller interfered with her finances and her daily activities and on one occasion damaged her vehicle tires.
USA TODAY has reached out to the church and Miller's attorney.
Who is Pastor John-Paul Miller?
Miller has five children with his wife.
One day after his wife was found dead, Miller announced her death at the end of a sermon.
“I’m taking a little bit of a break and I don’t want to have to worry about the church,” he said before announcing her death. “My break may be a few days, a few weeks, I don’t know."
Soon after, reports began to surface alleging the pastor abused his wife in the leadup to her suicide. According to a WBTW police report obtained in May 2024, Miller's wife alleged her husband did not allow her to drive and “groomed” her years before their marriage.
"She has known her husband since she was 10 years old and that he ‘groomed’ her while she worked for him at Solid Rock Church until they were married six years ago,” the police report from the outlet reads.
Who is Mica Miller?
Mica Acacia Miller, was born in Wichita, Kansas to Michael Francis and Angelita Ramirez, according to her obituary.
Family described her as "energetic, affirming and adventurous" in the written memorial, and said she and her husband married in 2017.
"Mica was a great stepmother, and an amazing wife and helpmate," the obituary reads. "She helped Pastor JP with the church in every way. Mica was the worship leader, graphics designer, youth leader, women’s ministry leader, and Pastor’s assistant."
Pastor faces prison if convicted in wife's stalking case
If convicted, prosecutors said Miller faces up to five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years in prison for his false statements.
Miller is set for arraignment on Jan. 12 in federal court in Florence, about 95 miles southeast of Charlotte.
Contributing: Fernando Cervantes Jr.
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