Pastor's Defense Team Seeks Exculpatory Evidence Before Upcoming Cyberstalking Trial

John Paul Miller, a 47-year-old pastor from South Carolina, has won a court-ordered delay for his federal trial as he and his legal team continue to search for evidence that could exonerate him. The postponement comes after the defendant pleaded not guilty to charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators.

Prosecutors allege that Miller engaged in a pattern of harassment against his estranged wife, Mica Miller, from November 2022 until her death on April 27, 2024. The alleged acts included posting a nude photo of Mica online, installing tracking devices on her vehicle, and contacting her more than 50 times in one day. Additionally, prosecutors claim that Miller interfered with his wife's finances and damaged her car tires.

Mica Miller’s family had previously filed a lawsuit against John Paul Miller to gather evidence of psychological abuse they believed drove their daughter-in-law to suicide. The case settled without the terms being made public, but it highlighted ongoing disputes over marital property between the two sides. Mica Miller initiated separation proceedings from her husband 10 days before she called emergency services in North Carolina, expressing suicidal intentions.

In a recent filing, Miller’s defense team requested additional time to prepare for trial by interviewing witnesses and obtaining documents that could contain exculpatory information not currently held by federal prosecutors. Judge Joseph Dawson III granted the delay, pushing back the hearing from August 25 to October 2026.

The pastor's legal strategy is focused on securing evidence that might cast doubt on the charges against him. His attorneys have prepared subpoena requests for documents they believe will contain information favorable to their client’s defense and are working closely with prosecutors to obtain these materials through court orders.

Beyond the cyberstalking case, John Paul Miller faces additional allegations of sexually assaulting minors while serving as a teacher and pastor at his father's church. Two separate lawsuits were filed alongside an affidavit submitted in connection with the custody dispute between Mica Miller and her husband. However, no criminal charges have been brought against him for these alleged offenses.

The ongoing delays and legal maneuvering underscore the complexity of the case and its potential implications not only for John Paul Miller but also for his family and the broader community affected by the allegations. The outcome of this trial could significantly impact perceptions of cyberstalking laws, marital disputes involving abuse claims, and the handling of clergy misconduct in religious institutions.