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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (BFMG) — John-Paul Miller, pastor at Solid Rock Church in The Market Common, was arrested on a charge of third-degree assault and battery, according to online records from the Myrtle Beach Police Department. Miller appeared in court Thursday morning, where a judge set his bond at $776.
Details surrounding the incident leading to Miller’s arrest have not been disclosed. In a video posted by digital creator, The Robbie Harvey, Miller can be seen approaching a woman from behind while the woman accuses Miller of touching her.
Witnesses described Miller and the woman as “coming at each other.” As they argued between two cars in a parking lot, cell phone footage shows the beleaguered pastor appearing to take a photograph of the woman with his phone according to FITS News.
Miller’s recent arrest follows the tragic loss of his wife, Mica Miller, who died by suicide on April 27 at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, N.C. Since her passing, law enforcement has publicly released the 911 call, security footage, and a detailed timeline of events outlining the day of her death.
The investigation into Mica Miller’s death has drawn community attention, with many expressing sympathy for the family during this difficult time. It has also resulted in what many say is a spectacle brought on by protestors who have taunted the pastor since his wife’s death.
The FBI Evidence Response Team raided the South Carolina home of Pastor John-Paul Miller last week, though Miller was not present at the time. The FBI declined to specify the nature of the investigation or what agents were searching for, with spokesman Kevin Wheeler stating only that the agency was conducting “court-authorized law enforcement activity.” Wheeler added that no further comment would be provided due to the ongoing investigation although Callie Lyons of FITS News reported a source familiar with the search says, “the primary investigation is into events that happened before Mica died, ”citing allegations of “interstate domestic violence” involving Miller.
The search comes days after Miller filed paperwork with the South Carolina Secretary of State to incorporate a new religious organization, Living Water Church at Market Common. The nonprofit’s filing lists Miller’s Myrtle Beach residence as its business address and describes its mission as religious, educational, charitable, and literary. Miller also recently updated the address of his existing church, Solid Rock Ministries, to reflect its current location.
Throughout the day of the search, members of the FBI’s Evidence Response Team were seen entering and exiting the home, carrying paper bags and other items including an all-in-one computer Attorney Regina Ward tells Crime Online’s, Nancy Grace.
Russel Long, an attorney for Miller, criticized the FBI’s actions, describing the search as a “fishing expedition.” Long added, “There was no affidavit attached to the search warrant, so I have no idea what it’s in relation to.”
As of now, no federal charges have been announced, and authorities have not disclosed any further details regarding the investigation.
