MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — The attorney representing Mica Miller and her family told NewsNation affiliate WBTW in an exclusive interview Tuesday that Mica did not steal money from Solid Rock Ministries and said she has a document that proves Mica had reason to think she had legal access to the church’s bank accounts.
In a March 14 police report, Mica was accused of stealing nearly $1,200 in donations meant for the church’s “Dare to Care Mission” effort in Africa. The investigation was closed without any charges being filed.
Mica’s husband, John-Paul Miller, the church’s pastor when the complaint was filed, was listed as an an “involved other” in the police report. John-Paul was relieved of his ministerial duties last week after his wife’s death.
Attorney Regina Ward said a postnuptial agreement, which is made after you’re married, was drafted between Mica and John-Paul in February. It states that “Mica shall be entitled to the Africa missions, Dare to Care Mission and the bank account at South State Bank.”
Ward said the police report was filed weeks after the agreement was drafted, and she said she obtained an unsigned copy from Mica at the time. News13 was told Mica did eventually sign it, but we have not been able to verify that it was filed into court records.
“So she was under the impression, in my opinion, that they had reached an agreement that she would be able to remove those funds and continue her heart’s desire, which is that mission,” Ward said.
Attorney and family allege abuse
Ward said Mica kept a journal in which she described the emotional abuse, threats and control John-Paul had over her before authorities said she shot and killed herself on April 27 at the Lumber River State Park in Robeson County. Her death came two days after she filed for a separation.
Police reports show Mica said someone had popped her tires, was tracking her and stalking her. She also claimed that John-Paul had been controlling her through administering medication.
“There is no doubt in my mind, based on what I’ve seen, that he essentially drove her to this point,” Ward said.
Michael and Sierra Francis, Mica’s sister and father, said dealing with her death has been a struggle for the entire family. They talked about John-Paul’s alleged control and stalking toward Mica and her not receiving help.
“Just treating her like she was an item that he wanted to get back,” Michael said.
“She made police reports to all of this, and they [police] just kept telling her there was nothing they could do to help her,” Sierra said.
Ward said she thinks the police should have seen the many patterns and red flags in the police reports from Mica.
“What are the processes?” Ward asked. “OK, is someone looking there to say, ‘wait a minute, this is the 15th time we’ve been called to this address. Something else is going on.’ Who’s supposed to be looking at that?”
Ward said authorities still have Mica’s phone and purse and that those items could be useful in pursuing civil action.
Mica’s dad said he’s still left with many questions surrounding her death.
“Why didn’t they do a complete toxicology test?” he said. “Why didn’t they realize that she had bruises on her hands and defensive wounds and also a bruise on her other arm?”
He added that more laws need to be created for victims in South Carolina.
“We can’t have people that pass away, and things are going on to them, for the case to pass away because they did,” Michael said. “That’s like saying that it never occurred.”
News13 has reached out to John-Paul’s attorneys to see if they or John-Paul would be interested in sitting down for an interview but has not heard back.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday that they have been in contact with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s office. However, the department said their involvement is not related to Mica’s cause of death.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI. Ward said you can also send tips to their law office: JusticeForMicatips@gmail.com.