John Paul Miller in front of the Myrtle Beach Magistrate Court.
John Paul Miller Drops 30 + Lawsuits Against Protesters, Plans to Refile in New Court
By James Seidel | CC News Network
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — John-Paul Miller, the controversial pastor at the center of ongoing protests following the 2024 death of his wife Mica Miller, has dropped most of his lawsuits he previously filed against demonstrators outside his former church. However, Miller did not withdraw cases in which protesters filed counterclaims against him, leaving several legal battles still active.
According to documents filed today in Myrtle Beach Magistrate Court, Miller voluntarily withdrew the majority of his restraining orders and civil suits, all of which targeted protesters—a group he has described as “harassers and agitators.” The demonstrators, however, refer to themselves as advocates and community activists, saying their goal is to seek justice for Mica Miller and to shine a light on coercive control and spiritual abuse they claim took place under Miller’s leadership at Solid Rock Ministries.
John Paul Miller Makes Statement about His Last Judge, Plans to Refile
In a statement to CC News Network, John Paul Miller confirmed he intends to refile the dropped lawsuits in a different court, one where the presiding magistrate holds a law degree. This appears to be a direct criticism of Judge Christopher Arakas, who previously dismissed three of Miller’s restraining orders and presided over cases that ended in settlement.
Miller also alleged that Judge Arakas relied on a third-party investigator to assist in his rulings, but claimed Miller was denied the opportunity to examine or cross-examine this third party, which he says violated his rights to due process.
@crimeandcask Breaking News out of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — Pastor John Paul Miller has officially dropped ALL remaining lawsuits and restraining orders. But the story isn’t over yet — sources say Miller still plans to refinance his property. What’s really going on? Get the full exclusive at CrimeandCask.com. #BreakingNews #MyrtleBeach #PastorJohnPaulMiller #CrimeandCask #SouthCarolinaNews #TrueCrimeCommunity #BecauseEnoughIsEnough #CrimeNews #Lowcountry #InvestigativeJournalism #CrimeReport #SCNews #crimeandcask ♬ original sound – Crime and Cask
A Deeply Divided Community
The legal battles stem from the April 2024 death of Mica Miller, a popular Christian speaker and influencer who died from a gunshot wound in what authorities ruled a suicide. In the months leading up to her death, Mica Miller had publicly accused her husband of coercive control, emotional abuse, and manipulation, and had even filed for divorce.
Her death sparked ongoing protests by former church members, domestic violence advocates, and local residents, who accuse Miller of spiritual abuse and allege that his leadership created a climate of fear and control within the church.
John Paul Miller responded to those protests by filing dozens of restraining orders and civil harassment lawsuits against individuals who attended demonstrations. Those cases became a legal quagmire, with multiple rulings going against Miller, as well as counterclaims filed by some demonstrators alleging abuse of process and retaliatory litigation.
What Is Coercive Control?
The term coercive control refers to a pattern of behavior in which an abuser uses intimidation, isolation, manipulation, and threats to dominate their partner’s life. In religious settings, coercive control can involve spiritual manipulation, including using scripture to justify control over a partner’s actions, social circle, and finances.
Advocates like attorney Regina Ward say Mica Miller’s case fits this dangerous dynamic, with her faith, marriage, and professional life all entangled under her husband’s leadership.
In light of recent events and ongoing concerns about domestic abuse, there is a pressing need for South Carolina to enact comprehensive legislation addressing coercive control. Coercive control refers to a pattern of behavior that seeks to dominate and intimidate an individual, often manifesting as psychological, emotional, or financial abuse. While physical violence is more readily recognized, coercive control can be equally, if not more, damaging, as it systematically erodes a person’s autonomy and well-being.
Legal Strategy Shift
By withdrawing the cases without counterclaims, John Paul Miller is resetting his legal strategy. His plan to refile in a court with a magistrate who holds a law degree suggests he hopes for a more favorable interpretation of the law in future proceedings.
However, the lawsuits where protesters have filed counterclaims remain active, meaning Miller could still face financial penalties or legal sanctions if courts find his prior filings were intended to silence critics through frivolous litigation.
What Happens Next?
Miller’s threat to refile the lawsuits keeps tensions high between him and the Justice for Mica movement, which has vowed to continue demonstrating until Miller is removed from public ministry.
Protesters have also said they welcome discovery proceedings in cases that remain active, believing court-ordered disclosures could reveal new information about Mica Miller’s death, her final days, and the power dynamics inside Solid Rock Ministries.
A Case That Won’t Go Away
Mica Miller’s death, and the ensuing legal chaos, has become a flashpoint in Myrtle Beach’s faith community, exposing deep divisions over accountability in religious leadership, domestic violence awareness, and the limits of pastoral power.
With new lawsuits promised and public pressure mounting, this story is far from over.
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James Seidel covers crime, courts, and investigative stories for CC News Network.
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