A pastor and his wife from South Carolina were arrested after they reported that their foster child had been sexually abused, according to officials.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Office stated that Rodney Gibson and Kawiana Young, both 50, are facing charges of unlawful conduct with a minor. Furthermore, Gibson has additional charges, including first-degree and second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a minor, along with contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The allegations stemmed from the victim’s report in the previous month, detailing sexual abuse suffered during her time in the couple’s care.
Gibson allegedly assaulted the victim multiple times beginning when she was 15 until she exited the foster care system. Investigators also discovered that another minor had been living with the couple. This boy claimed that Gibson had sexually abused him and Young had physically abused him. Following these revelations, the minor was placed in Emergency Protective Detention.
During an emergency custody hearing on March 20, a judge ordered the boy to be returned to Gibson and Young’s residence. However, an arrest warrant was issued after further interviews and collection of evidence led to their arrests on April 1. The minor was subsequently relocated to emergency protective custody.
Both Gibson and Young were released on bail the very next day. Young had been a licensed foster parent from June 2021 until June 2025 and was caring for six children before voluntarily surrendering her foster care license. The South Carolina Department of Social Services pointed out that she had failed to disclose Gibson’s residency in the home, and his name was not listed on her license. She had never indicated that she was married, claiming instead that she was single.
The agency is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Authorities also suggest there may be additional victims and are encouraging anyone with pertinent information to come forward.
Interestingly, Gibson presides over Pathway 2 Hope Ministries while Young manages Dreamcatcher Child Development Center.
