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South Carolina Pastor Arrested Amid Protests

Authorities in South Carolina have taken pastor John-Paul Miller into custody amid ongoing scrutiny related to his wife Mica Miller’s April suicide. The latest allegations involve an incident where he reportedly assaulted a protester.

John-Paul, aged 45, was arrested on November 6 in Myrtle Beach, according to records from the Myrtle Beach Police Department.

Law enforcement officials reported to the church on Wednesday afternoon to investigate a “possible assault,” as detailed in an arrest affidavit obtained by PEOPLE.

The incident arose during a protest at the church, where the alleged victim reportedly approached John-Paul and uttered the phrase “Here Kitty Kitty,” although the specifics of the protest remained unclear from the documentation.

According to the police, John-Paul allegedly confronted the woman, invading her personal space, and began filming her. He is accused of lightly tapping her hat before walking away, as stated in the affidavit.

A review of an unspecified video from the scene did not corroborate the alleged assault, according to police comments in the affidavit.

In a video shared with PEOPLE by John-Paul’s attorney, Russell Long, a woman can be seen approaching the pastor while being taunted by another individual, who shouts, “Pussycat! Pussycat! Run, run, run!”

As John-Paul moves toward a woman in front of a car, the recording captures her exclaiming, “Don’t f—— touch me!” However, it remains unclear whether any physical contact occurred between them.

Long asserted that the group of women filming John-Paul with taunts were attempting to provoke him.

While John-Paul was filming with his camera, Long contends there was no physical assault. However, a witness reported to the police that John-Paul had struck the woman, though it is uncertain if this witness was among those filming and allegedly taunting him.

Police later apprehended John-Paul at his residence, where he has since been released on bond, as per Long’s confirmation.

This arrest follows an FBI search of John-Paul’s home conducted less than a week earlier. Reports from both WBTW and WPDE indicated that the FBI’s presence was part of a “court-authorized law enforcement activity,” although details of that investigation have yet to be clarified.

John-Paul’s situation gained attention following the death of his wife Mica, 30, who was discovered in a state park in Robeson County, North Carolina. Her death was later ruled a suicide, coinciding with the couple’s separation and Mica’s legal petitions for separation.

The circumstances surrounding her death have led to speculation among friends and followers, with many questioning the potential for foul play, despite authorities’ declaration of suicide.

In May, the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the FBI was exploring a separate investigation not directly related to Mica’s tragic passing. Sheriff’s office spokesperson Damien McLean emphasized, “There’s no evidence connecting him to her death…Her death has been ruled [a] suicide.”

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org.

Source
people.com