JohnPaul Miller, 'Justice for Mica' protestor involved in confrontation amid church's uncertain future
Nov 06, 2024
Editor's note: Sound for this video has been muted because of obscenities
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) -- Embattled Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller confronted a 'Justice for Mica' protestor outside of his Solid Rock church Wednesday.
Myrtle Beach police said additional law enforcement presence would be in the area of Hemlock Avenue following the incident, which took place just after 2:30 p.m.
Authorities didn't provide an exact address, but a News13 crew captured footage of police and demonstrators in the parking lot of Horry-Georgetown Technical College's Market Common campus at 743 Hemlock Ave.
Officials said the incident remains under investigation and it wasn't immediately known if any charges were filed.
News13 obtained video of a portion of the confrontation, which at one point shows Miller standing in front of a woman.
"What did you say," he said. "You walked right up to me."
The video then shows Miller making a motion that angers the woman, who claims Miller put his hands on her.
Miller's exchange with the woman comes a day after the 803 Howard Avenue church was emptied of its contents -- a distinctive sign stripped of white "Solid Rock" lettering. Miller's vehicle was on site for a period of time.
Church adviser Charles Randall refused comment when contacted by News13, and Miller said he won't speak to us.
News13 photo / Adam Benson
"Please, ask everyone at tv 13 to NEVER again reach out to me or solid rock or we will consider it harassment," Miller said in a Wednesday email.
Solid Rock’s website has been pulled down and its phone number disconnected.
Controversy has swirled around Miller and Solid Rock Ministries 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.
The activity at Miller’s 803 Howard Avenue church came four days after an FBI operation at his Coldwater Circle home in Myrtle Beach ended with multiple boxes of evidence being seized.
It remains unclear why the FBI was at Miller’s home for several hours on Friday. Investigators removed several items, including what appeared to be some computer equipment. A spokesperson told News13 on Friday that the agency does not comment on potential indictments.
Both Solid Rock church and Miller’s home in the nearby Azalea Lakes neighborhood are part of a $5.59 million real estate portfolio operated by Solid Rock Ministries.
While Solid Rock’s fate remains unknown, Miller appears to be embarking on a new venture. On Oct. 17, articles of incorporation were accepted in South Carolina for “Living Water Church at Market Common Inc.” Miller is listed as its registered agent with his home address.
Miller has applied for federal (501)(c)(3) nonprofit status for Living Water. If the IRS approves and at some point, Living Water is dissolved, all of its assets would be distributed to St. Delight Pentecostal Church, a tiny Little River-based church where Randall is the pastor.