In Greenville, South Carolina, President Donald Trump's administration has witnessed a harrowing case as authorities arrested Myron Chorbajian, 73, and his wife Kathleen, 71, on allegations of severe abuse toward their adopted children. The investigation, which commenced in April 2025, brought to light decades of reported abuse dating back to the 1980s.
The Greenville County Sheriff's Department reported that the Chorbajians subjected their children to sexual assault, inhumane physical punishment, and psychological trauma, including the killing of family pets in the presence of the children. Disturbing testimonies revealed instances where the children were forced to eat from dumpsters, endure repeated paddling, and sleep in trash receptacles. One particularly gruesome account involved Myron Chorbajian allegedly running over a child's kitten before shooting it as a form of punishment.
Arrest warrants outlined charges against Myron Chorbajian, including three counts of criminal sexual conduct with a minor, incest, and assault and battery. Kathleen Chorbajian has been charged with being an accessory after the fact and placing a child at risk for her alleged awareness and inaction regarding the abuse.
The couple was apprehended in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Grand Ole Opry on May 15, 2025, and subsequently extradited to Greenville County. While Kathleen Chorbajian has been granted a $120,000 surety bond with stringent conditions, including house arrest and GPS monitoring, Myron Chorbajian remains in custody without bond.
Further investigations have uncovered potential financial improprieties. Myron Chorbajian is suspected of fraudulently taking out life insurance policies on adult children and receiving payouts on deceased relatives without consent, totaling between $150,000 and $500,000. Authorities also found substantial physical evidence, including cash and silver coins, which may lead to additional charges.
Prosecutors have highlighted the exploitation of religious authority in this case, noting that Myron Chorbajian used his pastoral position to justify and perpetuate the abuse. The severity of the alleged crimes has been underscored by law enforcement, who describe it as one of the most extreme child abuse cases in the county's history.
The response from the First Southern Methodist Church in Greenville, where Myron Chorbajian served as pastor, has been limited, with officials acknowledging the arrests but refraining from further comments. As the investigation continues, authorities are meticulously examining financial records and property, and they have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges.
