Blowing up ex’s phone with texts could land you in jail in SC. What the law says
Your ex has been blowing up your phone with text message after text message. After finally having enough of it, you text back, “If you don’t stop texting me, you’ll wish you had.”
It may sound like an innocent threat from a frustrated former partner, but that text, as well as your ex’s repeated textt messaging, under South Carolina law is considered unlawful communication, and it can land a person in jail.
Earlier this month, Myrtle Beach pastor John-Paul Miller was indicted federally for cyberstalking his late wife, Mica Miller, including in one instance contacting her over 50 times in a single day, according to the FBI. The harassing behavior of Mica began in November 2022 and continued until her death, the FBI said. Mica Miller took her life in a North Carolina state park in April 2024.
While there are some differences between cyberstalking and unlawful communication, the bases for both are the same – stopping harassing communication.
What is unlawful communication?
State law outlines six ways a person can be charged for unlawful communication. That includes:
– Sending any email or text that uses profane, obscene or vulgar language to another person;
– Threaten by telephone or any other electronic means with the intent to coerce, intimidate, or harass another person; telephone or electronically contact another repeatedly, whether or not conversation ensues, for the purpose of annoying or harassing another person or family;
– Make a telephone call and intentionally fail to hang up or disengage the connection;
– Make false statements concerning either the death or injury of a member of the family of the person who is telephoned or electronically contacted, with the intent to annoy, frighten, or terrify that person;
– Allowing someone else to use your phone to threaten another person.
The charge of unlawful communication is a misdemeanor and could result in up to a $500 fine or 30 days in jail.
What is cyberstalking?
While some of the same instances of harassment also fall under cyberstalking, the charge of stalking occurs when someone engages in a pattern of words or conduct that places a reasonable person in fear for him or herself, or a family member, according to a blog by Criminal Defense Lawyer.
Stalking behavior includes a pattern of verbal, written and electronic communications. A pattern means two or more acts occurring over a period of time, however short, that show a continuity of purpose, the blog said.
Stalking in South Carolina is a felony. Depending on the level of offense, a person could face up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Why John-Paul Miller faces cyberstalking charges
When Mica Miller took her life, her husband, John-Paul Miller, came under scrutiny and the couple’s tenuous relationship gained national attention.
Mica Miller had filed for divorce several times before her death, and the couple were estranged at the time. Mica Miller contacted the police several times about being followed and harassed by her husband, telling them she feared for her life.
A federal grand jury in Columbia brought a two-count indictment in December 2025 against Miller, 46, for cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators related to Mica Miller, according to a press release sent from the office of the United States Attorney District of South Carolina.
In addition to repeatedly contacting his wife, John-Paul Miller also posted a nude photo of her online without consent and interfered with her finances, the indictment states.
When Miller was interviewed about these occurrences, he lied about all of them, the indictment says. He employed a private investigator, whom he claimed was hired to prevent her from purchasing firearms, to cyberstalk Mica over alleged adultery, the indictment says.
A statement from Kevin Moore, FBI Columbia Field Office special agent in charge, called Miller’s actions “predatory, measured, and inflicted profound trauma to the victim, her family, and loved ones.”
This story was originally published January 2, 2026 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Blowing up ex’s phone with texts could land you in jail in SC. What the law says."
