News Summary
Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian, the pastor and his wife from Greenville, were arrested following extensive investigations into severe child abuse allegations. Reports indicate a history of horrific abuse involving adoptees and their biological daughter over decades. Multiple charges include sexual conduct with minors and physical abuse, while both remain in custody as the community reacts to the unsettling news.
Greenville, South Carolina – Myron Chorbajian, the 73-year-old pastor of First Southern Methodist Church, and his 70-year-old wife Kathleen Chorbajian were arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 15, 2025, following a lengthy investigation into severe child abuse allegations. The couple was located on Opry Mills Drive near the Grand Ole Opry and a Dave & Buster’s.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office initiated the investigation in April 2025 after a victim came forward with reports detailing extensive abuse that allegedly spanned several decades, beginning in the 1980s. Allegations indicate that both adopted and biological children of the Chorbajians were victims of horrific abuse during their upbringing.
According to investigators, all male children in the household experienced physical abuse, while all female children were victims of sexual abuse. In a tragic twist, two of the reported victims have since passed away, although the specific circumstances surrounding their deaths have not been disclosed. The Chorbajians are known to have seven adopted children and one biological daughter, raising significant concerns over the welfare of these minors.
Myron Chorbajian has been charged with a range of serious offenses, including three counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with minors aged 11 to 14, three counts of incest, one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, 14 counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm, and two counts of second-degree assault and battery. The allegations against him paint a horrific picture, with accusations of sexually abusing multiple female children, physically punishing them by beating them with belts until they lost consciousness, and forcing them to eat rotten food scavenged from dumpsters as well as dirt from the floor. Disturbingly, it has been reported that one child was forced to sleep in a trash can for three days and eat trash from it. Additionally, allegations include the killing and abuse of family pets in front of the children.
Kathleen Chorbajian has also been charged, facing 14 counts of unlawfully placing a child at risk of harm and two counts of being an accessory after the fact to a felony. She is accused of turning a blind eye to the abuse, failing to intervene despite her knowledge of the conditions. Reports allege that she forced a child to consume soap and struck a child with a skillet, resulting in visible bruises and head trauma.
Both Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian have been denied bond and remain in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center as they await further legal proceedings. Their case is particularly significant given that South Carolina has no statute of limitations for child sexual abuse charges, allowing prosecutors to pursue legal action on these longstanding allegations.
The First Southern Methodist Church, where Myron Chorbajian served as pastor, has not issued any public statements regarding the situation or Myron’s current status amid these allegations. The shocking nature of the abuse claims and the Chorbajians’ connection to a community-facing role have raised significant concerns and prompted discussions within the community about child welfare and protection.
As the investigation continues, local authorities urge anyone with further information related to the case to come forward to assist in the ongoing effort to bring justice for the victims involved.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Pastor and Wife Arrested for Child Sex Crimes
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- WSAZ: Pastor and Wife Facing Charges in Child Sex Abuse Investigation
- Google Search: Child Sex Abuse
- WYFF4: Greenville County Pastor Charged with Child Sex Crimes
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Greenville Online: Pastor and Wife Arrested on Child Abuse Charges
- Google News: Greenville County Pastor Abuse
