A pastor from South Carolina is now facing serious allegations that have shocked his community. John-Paul Miller, who has been in the spotlight since his estranged wife’s tragic death last year, is being accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl over two decades ago. The claims have resurfaced in a new lawsuit, adding another layer of controversy to his already troubled story.
According to the lawsuit, filed in late February, an anonymous woman from Indiana says Miller raped her back in 1998 when she was just 15 years old. At the time, Miller was 19 and working as a youth leader at a church. The woman, referred to as Jane Doe in court documents, also claims that Miller touched her inappropriately without her consent during a chance encounter in Myrtle Beach in 2023. She says this incident brought back painful memories of the alleged assault from 1998.
The lawsuit paints a disturbing picture. Doe claims that during the 2023 encounter, Miller tried to justify his actions by quoting scripture, saying, “No man is without sin and temptation. God understands that.” This, she says, led to an argument between them. The complaint also names Miller’s father, Reginald Wayne Miller, as a defendant, along with their church organizations, accusing them of enabling and covering up abusive behavior.
The lawsuit alleges that both Miller and his father used their positions of power within the church to manipulate and exploit vulnerable people, including minors. It claims they failed to protect young members of their congregation, ignoring warning signs and allowing harm to happen. The complaint even describes a chilling account of the alleged 1998 assault, where Doe says Miller forced her into his father’s office, became aggressive, and later raped her in his truck.
Jane Doe is now seeking justice, suing for negligence, emotional distress, and other charges. Meanwhile, Miller’s legal troubles don’t end there. Last year, his estranged wife, Mica Miller, was found dead in a state park in what authorities ruled a suicide. Her death sparked widespread speculation and concern, with some questioning whether foul play was involved. However, investigators have repeatedly stated there’s no evidence linking John-Paul to her death.
Adding to his legal woes, Miller was arrested in November 2024 for allegedly assaulting a protester at his church, just days after the FBI searched his home. He was released on bond, but the status of that case remains unclear.
This story is a stark reminder of how power and trust can be misused, even in places meant to offer safety and guidance. As the legal process unfolds, many are left wondering how deep these allegations go and what it means for the community that once looked up to Miller as a spiritual leader.
