A former South Carolina pastor, John Paul Miller, 46, has been indicted on federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Mica Miller, 30, who died by suicide in April 2024. The U.S. Attorney’s office alleges a pattern of sustained harassment beginning in November 2022 that culminated in her death.
The Allegations
According to the indictment, Miller engaged in a systematic campaign of abuse against Mica Miller, including posting a nude photo of her online without consent, contacting her excessively—over 50 times in a single day—and secretly installing tracking devices on her vehicle. He also allegedly sabotaged her tires, purchasing a deflation device online and discussing the act with others.
These actions were not isolated; Mica Miller had previously confided in her attorney, Regina Ward, about Miller’s unnerving ability to appear unexpectedly at her locations. The relentless harassment reportedly interfered with her finances and daily life.
A History of Allegations
This indictment follows previous accusations against Miller. In 1998, he was sued by a woman in Indiana who accused him of rape when she was 15 years old and he was a youth church leader. While Miller denied these allegations, the prior claims underscore a pattern of alleged misconduct.
Aftermath and Legal Response
Following Mica Miller’s death, her family asserted that she was a victim of “coercive control”—a non-physical form of abuse that includes financial manipulation, isolation, and intimidation. Miller faces up to five years in prison for cyberstalking, two years for false statements, and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
In response to the case, South Carolina Sen. Stephen Goldfinch has introduced “Mica’s Law,” which aims to criminalize coercive control within the state, recognizing the severe impact of such abuse.
The Broader Context
This case highlights the escalating danger of cyberstalking and coercive control, forms of abuse that often fly under the radar but can be deadly. The indictment demonstrates a disturbing trend of predatory behavior enabled by technology, and underscores the critical need for legal reforms to address non-physical forms of abuse. The fact that this led to suicide illustrates how these tactics can systematically erode a victim’s agency and well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. You can call or text 988 in the U.S., or visit 988lifeline.org for support. Resources for domestic abuse are available at 1-866-331-9474 or by texting “loveis” to 22522.
