Pastor Charged with Abusing Adopted Children, Killing Family Dog

Myron Chorbajian accused of horrific abuse, including shooting dog in front of child

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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A South Carolina pastor and his wife are facing dozens of charges related to the alleged abuse of their adopted children in the 1980s, including sexually abusing several of them, forcing a child to sleep in a trashcan, and making a child bury the family dog after Chorbajian shot it in front of the child.

Why it matters

The case highlights the vulnerability of adopted and foster children, who often have limited options and avenues for reporting abuse, as well as the potential for religious figures to abuse their positions of trust and authority to justify horrific acts against the most vulnerable members of society.

The details

Investigators say Myron Chorbajian, a pastor, abused his adopted children in the 1980s, including sexually abusing several of them, forcing a child to search dumpsters and eat rotten food, forcing a child to sleep in a trashcan, and paddling a child 50 times. His wife Kathleen is accused of knowing about the abuse and failing to intervene or report it. The couple is facing over 90 charges combined.

  • The alleged abuse began in the 1980s when the Chorbajians had one biological child and seven adopted children.
  • The first complaint against the couple was filed in 1997, after one of the victims had become an adult and moved out of the home.
  • Additional abuse reports were filed in April and May 2025, just before the Chorbajians were arrested in May 2025.

The players

Myron Chorbajian

A pastor accused of sexually abusing several of his adopted children, forcing a child to search dumpsters and eat rotten food, forcing a child to sleep in a trashcan, paddling a child 50 times, and shooting the family dog in front of a child.

Kathleen Chorbajian

The wife of Myron Chorbajian, accused of knowing about the abuse and failing to intervene or report it.

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What they’re saying

“I would just say, Your Honor, that this case is not as the state has advertised.”

— A defense attorney representing Kathleen Chorbajian (FOX Carolina)

“The time the abuse occurred, these victims were small children in foster care. They had nowhere else to go. These sadistic acts of abuse that were justified by religion against some of the most vulnerable members of our society, I don't know a situation where someone could present a more clearly present danger to the community.”

— A state's attorney (FOX Carolina)

What’s next

A judge in South Carolina will decide whether to grant bond for Kathleen Chorbajian, who has been in jail for over 200 days since her arrest in May 2025.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need to protect vulnerable adopted and foster children from abuse, as well as the potential for religious figures to exploit their positions of trust to justify horrific acts against the most vulnerable members of society.