Greenwood, SC - Police in Greenwood, South Carolina, have arrested a pastor and former town mayor following allegations that he engaged in inappropriate behavior with a vulnerable hospital patient.
Arrest Follows Staff Report at Self Regional Medical Center
Authorities said that 71-year-old Johnnie Waller was taken into custody after officers received a report on September 27 from staff at Self Regional Medical Center who noticed a situation in a patient’s room that caused immediate alarm. Officers said Waller was well known in the community through his pastoral visits to patients.
Abused Patient Deemed Unable to Make Decisions
Investigators said the alleged encounter involved a long-term patient under the supervision of the Department of Social Services. The patient had been receiving care at Self Regional since early 2025 and was documented by multiple physicians as lacking decision-making capacity due to a cognitive condition.
Surveillance Footage and Interviews Lead to Charge
Detectives reviewed hospital surveillance footage, collected staff statements, and conducted interviews before obtaining a warrant charging Waller with third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Police said he was booked into the Greenwood County Detention Center and banned from all Self Regional Healthcare properties.
Previously Served as Calhoun Falls Mayor
Waller previously served as the mayor of Calhoun Falls, a small Abbeville County town near Lake Russell and Calhoun Falls State Park. He was first elected to that position in 1992.
South Carolina Attorney Explains Legal Options for Victims of Pastor Sexual Abuse
After the arrest of former Calhoun Falls mayor and pastor Johnnie Waller, concerns about legal protections for victims of clergy-related sexual abuse have resurfaced across South Carolina. To provide clarity on the legal options available, we spoke with attorney James Moore, a South Carolina lawyer experienced in representing survivors of sexual abuse. In this interview, Moore discusses how the state’s laws address these cases and the steps victims can take to seek accountability and support.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: What legal options are available to victims who report sexual abuse by a pastor or religious leader in South Carolina?
James Moore, Esq.: Victims can take both criminal and civil actions. The criminal case focuses on the offender’s accountability through law enforcement and the courts. Civil cases, on the other hand, allow victims to seek compensation for the emotional and psychological harm they’ve endured. These cases can also hold religious institutions or organizations responsible if they failed to supervise or report the misconduct.
Banville: How soon should a survivor consider filing a claim?
Moore: It’s best to act as soon as possible. South Carolina law has time limits for filing civil claims, although some exceptions exist, especially in cases involving minors or vulnerable adults. Prompt legal action can help preserve evidence and strengthen the case.
Banville: What support can victims expect if they choose to come forward?
Moore: Survivors often have access to counseling, victim advocacy resources, and attorneys who handle these cases with sensitivity and confidentiality. The process can be challenging, but the law provides paths for accountability and recovery.
Legal Help for Survivors and Families
Victims of sexual abuse by pastors or other trusted figures do not have to face the legal process alone. Speaking with an experienced attorney can help survivors and their families understand their rights and options under South Carolina law. Our legal team offers confidential and free consultations to discuss possible claims and next steps. Contact us today to learn how we can help you take action and seek accountability.
