South Carolina Pastor and Wife Arrested on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
A pastor and his wife from South Carolina have been taken into custody following serious allegations of sexual abuse involving former foster children under their care. Authorities confirmed the arrests of Rodney Gibson and Kawiana Young, both aged 50, after an investigation prompted by a victim's report.
Details of the Charges and Allegations
Rodney Gibson and Kawiana Young have been formally charged with unlawful conduct with a minor. Gibson faces additional severe charges, including first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The case came to light when a former foster child approached law enforcement last month, alleging repeated sexual abuse during their time in the couple's home.
Investigators revealed that the abuse reportedly began when the victim was just 15 years old and continued until they aged out of the foster care system. During the course of the investigation, authorities discovered another minor residing with the couple. This child disclosed being sexually abused by Gibson and physically abused by Young, leading to immediate emergency protective custody placement.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Despite the initial protective measures, the minor was briefly returned to the couple's home following a court hearing on March 20. However, subsequent interviews and the emergence of new evidence prompted authorities to secure arrest warrants. On April 1, Gibson and Young were arrested, and the child was once again removed from the home and placed under protective care.
Officials noted that Kawiana Young, who was a licensed foster parent from 2021 to 2025, failed to disclose that Rodney Gibson lived in the home and did not include him on official records. She also reportedly claimed she was not in a relationship with Gibson, raising further concerns about transparency and compliance with foster care regulations.
Background of the Accused and Community Impact
Rodney Gibson serves as a pastor at Pathway 2 Hope Ministries, while Kawiana Young operates the DreamCatcher Child Development Center. Both individuals were released on bond the day after their arrest. Authorities have expressed belief that there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
This case has sparked significant concern within the community, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the foster care system and the need for stringent oversight. The allegations against individuals in trusted positions, such as a pastor and a child development center operator, underscore the importance of thorough background checks and monitoring in child welfare services.
As the legal process unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victims and preventing further harm. The South Carolina authorities continue to investigate, with updates expected as more details emerge from court proceedings and witness testimonies.
