New Lawsuit Claims Sexual Abuse at Christian School
A second lawsuit has been filed against Pastor John-Paul Miller, accusing him of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student at a Christian school in the late 1990s. The complaint, filed in Horry County, South Carolina, describes Cathedral Hall Academy as a “hunting area for underage females” where Miller and his father, Reverend Reginald Wayne Miller, allegedly used their authority to conceal predatory behavior.
This lawsuit comes just over a week after another woman, identified as “Jane Doe 1,” accused Miller of raping her when she was a minor. Both lawsuits highlight what they describe as a pattern of abuse enabled by the Millers’ religious organizations.
Allegations of Abuse and Retaliation
According to the lawsuit, Jane Doe 2 was a student at Cathedral Hall Academy when she was first assaulted by Miller after a chapel service in 1999. The complaint states that when she attempted to leave the room, Miller hugged her and moved his hands down her back to her “bare butt.”
After reporting the incident to a teacher, Doe 2 was sent to Reginald Miller’s office, where John-Paul was present. Reginald allegedly accused her of lying and forced her to write “I will not lie about John-Paul Miller” 5,000 times as punishment. The lawsuit claims that after this, Doe 2 was bullied by classmates who “took their cues from the Millers.”
Doe 2 also alleges that Miller sexually assaulted her again after a music class under the pretense of helping her with grades. According to the lawsuit, he grabbed her and put his hands under her clothing before she managed to escape.
Religious Control and Psychological Trauma
The lawsuit further details how the Millers allegedly maintained control over students through religious fear and psychological abuse. At age 16, Doe 2 brought a Harry Potter book to school, which led to what she describes as a public shaming. The complaint states that the Millers called her a “servant of Satan,” burned her book in front of her, beat her with a Bible, and poured water over her head.
According to the lawsuit, Doe 2 suppressed memories of the abuse for years, but it was triggered by the death of Mica Miller, John-Paul Miller’s estranged wife, in April 2024. Mica’s death was ruled a suicide, but her family has accused John-Paul of abuse and claimed she feared for her life.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Doe 2 is seeking a jury trial and damages for negligence, civil conspiracy, assault, battery, and emotional distress. John-Paul Miller’s attorney, Russell Long, has not responded to requests for comment.
With two lawsuits now filed against Miller, legal experts suggest that more allegations could surface as investigations continue. Supporters of the plaintiffs argue that the Millers used their religious influence to evade accountability for years, while Miller’s defenders insist that he is being unfairly targeted.
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