FBI activity winds down at JohnPaul Miller's Horry County home
Nov 01, 2024
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) -- Federal authorities who spent most of Friday afternoon conducting an investigation at the home of Solid Rock church pastor John-Paul Miller began packing up and leaving shortly before 5 p.m.
Multiple law-enforcement vehicles gathered earlier Friday outside his home on Coldwater Circle in the Azalea Lakes neighborhood. Authorities were seen carrying items out of the house late Friday afternoon, including boxes, a computer screen, and what looked like an external computer drive.
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The exact reason for the investigation remains unclear, but FBI spokesman Kevin Wheeler told News13 that agents were "conducting court authorized law enforcement activity" at the home.
A News13 reporter saw about 25 FBI agents at the home. They were wearing uniforms that said "Evidence Response Team." They were putting on gloves and bringing bags from a truck while appearing to be preparing to enter the home.
Neighbors said that authorities told them they were at the home to execute a search warrant. They also said that Miller was not home when investigators arrived.
"I came back outside and saw cop cars everywhere. Officers in the front yard with guns drawn, got a little bit nervous," next-door neighbor Dennis Blair said. "Then I heard the bullhorn go off, saying, 'This is the FBI, we have your house surrounded. Come out with your hands up. We're here to execute a warrant.' At that point, I got a little nervous and they yelled at me to grab my dog and go back into the house."
According to public records, the home is owned by Solid Rock Ministries Inc. It was transferred from Miller on Dec. 15, 2023.
Later Friday afternoon, a group of "Justice for Mica" supporters gathered in the driveway of a home across from John-Paul's. They were wearing "Justice for Mica" t-shirts and holding hands in a circle and praying.
Timeline: What’s happened so far in the death of Myrtle Beach woman Mica Miller
Controversy has swirled around Miller and his Market Common church, since his wife, Mica, was found dead in late April at the Lumber River State Park in Robeson County. Her death was eventually ruled a suicide, but the case sparked nationwide interest because of allegations that she was abused by her husband before her death.
News13 has tried to contact John-Paul Miller about the investigation but has not been able to speak to him. A phone call indicated that the number had been changed or disconnected.
Regina Ward, the attorney who has represented Mica's family and her estate during legal proceedings, told News13 that she was still trying to gather information about the situation.
This is a developing story. Count on News13 for more information.