News Summary
Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian, a pastor and his wife, have been arrested in Nashville following allegations of extensive child abuse involving eight victims. Reports indicate that the abuse dates back to the 1980s, with horrifying claims of physical and sexual mistreatment. Myron faces severe charges, including forcing children to consume rotten food and violently abusing them. Kathleen is accused of failing to intervene in these acts. Both are being held without bond as the legal process unfolds, shocking their local community.
Greenville, South Carolina – Myron Chorbajian, a pastor at 1st Southern Methodist Church, and his wife, Kathleen Chorbajian, were arrested on May 15 in Nashville, Tennessee, facing serious allegations of child abuse involving eight victims. The couple was apprehended on fugitive from justice warrants near a Dave & Busters on Opry Mills Drive at the Grand Ole Opry.
The investigation into the Chorbajians originated in April following a report from a victim who described extensive abuse that allegedly began in the 1980s. Preliminary findings suggest that all male children involved suffered physical abuse, while the female children experienced sexual abuse. Tragically, two of the victims are now deceased.
Myron Chorbajian faces numerous disturbing accusations that include forcing a child to search through dumpsters for food, making them consume rotten food, and paddling a naked child more than 50 times. In a particularly harrowing incident, Myron is accused of beating a child with a belt until the child lost consciousness. Other allegations against him include compelling a child to eat dirt, forcing another to sleep in a trash can, and reportedly placing a child in a trash can for three days, where the child was made to eat trash.
In addition to these shocking acts, investigators allege that Myron Chorbajian ran over a child’s pet kitten, shooting it in the head in front of the child. He is also accused of killing a dog in front of a child and compelling that child to bury the animal afterward.
Kathleen Chorbajian has also been charged with serious offenses. Authorities claim she was aware of some instances of sexual abuse and failed to report them. Furthermore, she allegedly did not intervene during physical abuse incidents or when children were forced to sleep in trash containers. In one instance, Kathleen is accused of forcing a child to eat an entire bar of soap, resulting in illness, and she is also alleged to have struck a child in the head with a skillet, which left visible bruises and head trauma.
Both Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian have been denied bond and are currently being held in the Greenville County Detention Center as the legal process unfolds. Their arrests mark a significant turn in an ongoing investigation that has revealed deeply troubling allegations surrounding their household.
The allegations against the Chorbajians have sent shockwaves through the local community, especially given Myron Chorbajian’s position as a pastor, a role typically associated with trust and moral integrity. The church has not yet issued a public statement regarding the situation, and community members are grappling with the implications of these grave allegations.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with additional information or who may have had similar experiences to come forward to assist in the case. The wellbeing and safety of children are paramount, and investigators are committed to uncovering the full scope of this disturbing situation.
Legal proceedings are expected to commence shortly as the Chorbajians prepare to face the charges against them. The community remains on high alert as more details about the case are anticipated to emerge.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Local Pastor and Wife Arrested for Severe Child Abuse
Additional Resources
- WYFF 4 News
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Fox Carolina News
- Google Search: Child Abuse Legal Consequences
- Greenville Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Fox 8 Live
- Google News: Greenville Pastor Arrest
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.
