Federal authorities on Friday were at the home of a Myrtle Beach pastor linked to an investigation that gained national attention.
FBI spokesperson Kevin Wheeler confirmed to WMBF News they were doing an authorized search at the home of John-Paul Miller on Coldwater Circle. No further information was provided.
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WMBF News reporters Ale Espinosa and Ashley Boles were both at the scene throughout the afternoon and saw FBI agents at the home. They also saw agents going in and out of the home and carrying evidence bags.
As of around 4 p.m., neighbors told WMBF News the agents had been at Miller’s home for hours. By around 6 p.m., the FBI had cleared out.
"It‘s just one of those things that you don’t think would ever happen where you live," said Butch, a neighbor of Miller’s.
Earlier this year authorities ruled Miller’s wife, Mica, died by suicide in Robeson County, North Carolina.
Mica Miller’s death gained national attention due to allegations surrounding her marriage to John-Paul Miller. At that time, John-Paul Miller was the pastor of Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach.
It‘s unclear if the FBI’s search was related to her death.
John-Paul Miller, meanwhile, was not found at the home and his whereabouts were unknown Friday afternoon.
Butch said while he didn’t really know John-Paul Miller personally, one particular clue makes him think Miller had not been home for the past few days.
"He walks the dogs and basically goes back inside. That’s basically it," he said. "It’s been a couple of days. His truck is gone. His truck was there yesterday, but it’s gone today."
The search also brought up emotions for the community and neighbors - as well as those who have followed the case since it first gained national attention.
"I’ve been following it since the day after it happened," said Gina Whittington. "I watched the pastor announce Mica’s passing from inside the church, and followed it quickly. I was working today, and actually was on a TikTok live and it was announced that the FBI was at the pastor’s house. And it just went from there."