News Summary
Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian, a pastor and his wife from Greenville, have been arrested in connection with grave allegations of historical child abuse. Their arrest follows a recent investigation launched after a victim reported extensive abuse dating back to the 1980s. The allegations include severe physical and sexual abuse towards their children, both adopted and biological. Both individuals are currently denied bond and await legal proceedings as the investigation continues, raising profound concerns within the community.
Greenville, South Carolina: Pastor and Wife Arrested Amid Disturbing Child Abuse Allegations
Myron Chorbajian, the pastor of 1st Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, and his wife, Kathleen Chorbajian, were arrested on May 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee, on charges stemming from a disturbing investigation into child abuse allegations. They were located on Opry Mills Drive, near popular entertainment venues. The arrests were made under fugitive from justice warrants following a probe that started in April 2025 after a victim came forward with claims of extensive abuse dating back to the 1980s.
Allegations of Abuse
The allegations against the Chorbajians include horrific acts of physical and sexual abuse directed at their adopted and biological children. The couple has a total of seven adopted children and one biological daughter. Preliminary investigations reveal that all male children were subjected to physical abuse, while all female children reportedly experienced sexual abuse. Tragically, two of the victims who were children during the abuse are now deceased.
Specific accusations indicate that Myron Chorbajian forced a child to rummage through dumpsters for discarded food. He is also accused of paddling a naked child 50 times, beating another with a belt until the child lost consciousness, and punching a victim in the face. Additional claims reveal that he forced a child to eat dirt from the floor and made a victim sleep in a trash can, confining them there for three days while forcing them to consume trash. In a particularly shocking incident, he allegedly killed a child’s pet kitten by running it over and then shot it in front of the child. He is also accused of killing a dog in front of a child and compelling the child to bury the animal.
Role of Kathleen Chorbajian
Kathleen Chorbajian faces serious allegations as well. She is believed to have been aware of some instances of sexual abuse and is charged with neglecting to report them. Additionally, she allegedly refrained from intervening during instances of physical abuse, such as when Myron Chorbajian beat the children. Reports indicate that Kathleen forced a child to consume a bar of soap, which caused illness, and struck another child in the head with a skillet, resulting in visible bruising and trauma.
Legal Proceedings
Both Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian have been denied bond and are currently held in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center. The authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, and all individuals should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Context of the Allegations
The Chorbajians have long been public figures in their community, with Myron serving as a pastor for many years. The adoption of numerous children has drawn attention over the years, but the recent allegations have cast a dark shadow over their family. The investigation was initiated after a victim reported the alleged abuse, shedding light on a series of painful and horrifying experiences spanning several decades, raising significant concerns about the treatment of children within the Chorbajian household.
As the investigation continues, the Greenville community watches closely, awaiting further developments regarding the charges against the Chorbajians and the well-being of the children involved in this distressing case.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Fox Carolina
- WSAZ News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google Search: Greenville pastor child abuse
Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE
The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
