South Carolina Pastor and Wife Accused of Forcing Adopted Kids to Eat Dumpster Food, Sleep in Trash Cans

Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian face multiple charges of abuse and neglect against their adopted children

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A South Carolina pastor and his wife are facing a slew of abuse allegations, including forcing their adopted children to dig through dumpsters for food and sleep in trash cans at night. Myron Chorbajian, 73, has been charged with assault, placing children at risk, and criminal sexual conduct, while his wife Kathleen, 71, faces charges for failing to stop the abuse. The couple was arrested in 2025 after the adopted children came forward with claims of abuse dating back to the 1980s.

Why it matters

This case highlights the horrific abuse that can occur when children are placed in the care of those who are supposed to protect them, especially when the perpetrators use religion to justify their actions. It raises questions about the oversight of the foster care system and the need for better safeguards to prevent such egregious abuse from happening.

The details

According to police, Myron Chorbajian, the pastor at First Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, and his wife Kathleen forced their adopted children to find food in dumpsters and sleep in trash cans at night. The couple is also accused of making one of the children bury the family dog after Myron killed it in front of the children. Myron faces charges including assault, placing children at risk, and criminal sexual conduct, while Kathleen is charged with failing to stop the abuse.

  • The abuse allegations first came to light in April 2025 when the adopted children approached police.
  • Myron and Kathleen Chorbajian were arrested in May 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee while attending a show at the Grand Ole Opry.
  • It took months to extradite the couple back to South Carolina, where they are currently being held - Myron without bond and Kathleen on $12,000 bond.

The players

Myron Chorbajian

A 73-year-old pastor at First Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, South Carolina who has been charged with multiple counts of abuse and neglect against his adopted children.

Kathleen Chorbajian

The 71-year-old wife of Myron Chorbajian who has been charged with failing to stop the abuse of their adopted children.

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What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kathleen Chorbajian to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for better oversight and safeguards in the foster care system to protect vulnerable children from abuse, especially when perpetrators use positions of authority and religious beliefs to justify their actions.