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South Carolina Pastor and Wife Charged With Abusing 15-Year-Old Foster Child
Authorities allege multiple physical and sexual assaults over several years in the couple's foster home
Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:35pm
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The harsh flash illumination and stark contrast of this image conceptually evokes the gritty, investigative nature of the allegations against the pastor and his wife.Columbia TodayA South Carolina pastor and his wife have been charged with abusing a 15-year-old foster child in their care, with the pastor facing multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct and the wife charged with unlawful conduct toward a minor. The investigation began in March when the victim reported the abuse, leading to the couple's arrest, though a judge initially returned the child to their home before the child was again placed in protective custody.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing issues with oversight and accountability in the foster care system, where vulnerable children can face abuse from those entrusted with their care. It also raises concerns about the ability of religious leaders to potentially exploit their positions of authority to commit crimes against minors.
The details
Rodney Gibson, a pastor, and his wife Kawiana Young, both 50, were charged in connection with the alleged abuse of a 15-year-old foster child in their care in Columbia, South Carolina. Gibson faces charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, unlawful conduct toward a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Young was charged with unlawful conduct toward a minor. The investigation began in early March when the victim reported the abuse, leading to the couple's arrest, though a family court judge initially returned the child to their home before the child was again placed in protective custody.
- The investigation began in early March 2026 when the victim reported the abuse.
- On March 18, 2026, the victim was taken into emergency protective custody.
- On March 20, 2026, a family court judge returned the victim to Gibson and Young's home.
- Arrest warrants were issued for the suspects after further interviews and evidence collection.
- The victim was again placed in emergency protective custody after the couple's arrest.
The players
Rodney Gibson
A 50-year-old pastor at Pathway 2 Hope Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina, who has been charged with multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct and other offenses related to the alleged abuse of a 15-year-old foster child in his care.
Kawiana Young
A 50-year-old woman who was a licensed foster parent and owns the DreamCatcher Child Development Center in Columbia, South Carolina. She has been charged with unlawful conduct toward a minor in connection with the alleged abuse of a 15-year-old foster child in her home.
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on the couple's bond and whether they will be allowed to have contact with the victim or other children in the foster care system.
The takeaway
This case highlights the critical need for stronger oversight and accountability in the foster care system to protect vulnerable children from abuse, as well as the potential for religious leaders to exploit their positions of trust to commit crimes against minors.
