MYRTLE BEACH, SC. (WMBF/Gray News) – A pastor in South Carolina is accused of cyberstalking and harassing his estranged wife before she died by suicide, according to authorities.
A federal grand jury indicted 46-year-old John Paul Miller on counts of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators on Thursday.
Miller had been linked to the investigation surrounding the April 2024 death of his estranged wife, Mica.
Authorities said Mica died by suicide after buying a gun and driving across the state line into Robeson County, North Carolina.
Allegations later surfaced regarding John Paul’s treatment of Mica, which were detailed in Thursday’s federal indictment.
Prosecutors allege that John-Paul sent “unwanted and harassing communications” to Mica from November 2022 until her death.
The harassing behavior included Miller posting a nude photo of Mica online without her consent, causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle and contacting her over 50 times in a single day.
The indictment also alleges John Paul interfered with Mica’s finances and her daily activities. Documents also note a particular incident where he damaged the tires on Mica’s vehicle.
John Paul is also accused of lying to federal investigators regarding the allegations in October 2024. While he told them he hired a private investigator to keep Mica from buying a gun, federal prosecutors claim he actually hired the investigator to stalk her for alleged adultery.
He also reportedly told investigators that he didn’t damage Mica’s tires, but the indictment states he bought a tire deflation device online and sent messages to others regarding Mica’s vehicle.
The following month, federal agents searched John Paul’s home in Myrtle Beach, spending hours at the property. He was not there at the time.
If convicted, John Paul faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years in prison for making false statements. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.
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