Former Solid Rock Church pastor John Paul Miller, 46, appeared in federal court in Florence, South Carolina, on Monday for his arraignment.
Miller pleaded not guilty to federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on the cyberstalking charge and up to two years for making false statements.
He was released on a $100,000 unsecured bond. As part of the conditions of his release, Miller must wear an ankle monitor, remain within South Carolina, and have no contact with potential witnesses or members of Mica Miller’s family. He also waived his right to a speedy trial, which his attorneys said is standard in some cases.
Mica Miller was found dead on April 27, 2024, in the water at Lumber River State Park in Robeson County, North Carolina, from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to WECT/FOX 5 DC. Authorities were conducting a welfare check after a woman called 911 expressing concerns about her safety. The couple had been separated since January 2023.
According to a complaint cited by ABC 15, Mica stated she had known Miller since she was 10 years old and alleged that he groomed her while she worked for him at Solid Rock Church, leading up to their marriage in 2017.
At the time, Miller reportedly told an officer that he and Mica were not separated and claimed his then-wife suffered from mental health issues, stating she experienced episodes around the Christmas holidays each year. He further described her behavior as reckless and said she overspent when she was not taking her medication, according to the report.
Federal prosecutors allege Miller harassed Mica from November 2022 until her death. The indictment claims the alleged behavior included sending repeated unwanted messages, posting a nude photo of Mica online without her consent, placing tracking devices on her vehicle, and contacting her more than 50 times in a single day. Investigators also allege he interfered with her finances and daily activities and damaged her vehicle’s tires.
Authorities say Miller told investigators he hired a private investigator to prevent Mica from purchasing firearms, but allege the investigator was instead hired to cyberstalk her over suspected infidelity. Prosecutors further claim Miller lied to federal agents during interviews.
The investigation involved the FBI, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and multiple law enforcement agencies in South Carolina and North Carolina. An FBI official described Miller’s alleged conduct as “predatory.”
Miller previously served as pastor of the former Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, which became the focus of public protests following Mica Miller’s death. Authorities have ruled her death a suicide, and Miller has not been charged in connection with her death.
