In a shocking case that has garnered significant media attention, former pastor Myron Chorbajian and his wife, Kathleen Chorbajian, have been arrested in Nashville, Tennessee, in connection with a child abuse investigation that dates back to the 1980s. The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office initiated an inquiry following allegations from a victim who reported extensive abuse endured as a child in the Chorbajian household.
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Myron Chorbajian, who was the pastor of the 1st Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina, faces severe accusations, including sexual abuse of his daughters and acts of extreme cruelty against his children and pets. The abusive practices allegedly involved forcing his children to consume inedible materials, such as dirt and trash, as well as inflicting physical violence.
According to arrest warrants, the evidence described harrowing events wherein Chorbajian purportedly placed a child in a trash can for three days, compelling the child to eat refuse from within. These documents also recount instances of animal cruelty, such as the report of Chorbajian allegedly running over a family pet and subsequently shooting it in front of a child.
The investigation reveals a pattern of physical punishment that included severe beatings and psychological torment. Reports indicate that one of the children was paddled severely and beaten with a belt until they lost consciousness. The claims made against Chorbajian illustrate a troubling level of brutality that could leave lasting scars on those affected.
Kathleen Chorbajian, who is reportedly aware of some of these abuses, has been charged alongside her husband with multiple counts of placing children at risk. The authorities allege that she failed to report the abuses or to intervene when she became aware of her husband’s actions. This complicity has led to charges against her as well.
The couple was arrested on May 15, 2025, and subsequently extradited to South Carolina. Initial charges against Myron included three counts of incest and multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct involving minors aged between 11 and 14. The severity of these allegations led to further investigations, which resulted in additional charges being announced in June.
In February 2026, following a request for release on bond, Kathleen Chorbajian was granted house arrest, prohibiting her from any contact with minors, including both the victims involved in the case and her husband. This development has raised concerns among victim advocacy groups and the wider community about the potential risks of releasing someone associated with such serious allegations.
The case continues to unfold as the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office reported additional charges against Myron Chorbajian, highlighting the extensive nature of the accusations. Advocates for the victims and concerned citizens are closely following developments, calling attention to the critical importance of child protection and the reporting of abuse.
In light of this disturbing case, it is vital for anyone aware of child abuse to reach out for help. Organizations such as Childhelp operate a national hotline for those seeking assistance or wishing to report suspected abuse. They provide confidential support available 24/7 in multiple languages.
With the trial yet to commence, the impact of these allegations on the victims and the community cannot be overstated. The ongoing investigation underscores the importance of vigilance against child abuse and the need for robust systems to protect the vulnerable. As more details emerge, the Chorbajian case serves as a reminder of the dark realities that can exist behind closed doors and the necessity for society to remain alert to signs of abuse.