Pastor, wife arrested in connection with crimes against children
RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– A Richland County pastor, and his wife has been arrested in relation to abuse against children, says RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott.
Pastor Rodney Gibson was charged with criminal sexual conduct, says RCSD. (Photo: Richland Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
On March 12, 2026, it was reported to deputies that a victim came forward in reference to sexual abuse while in foster care at the home of Rodney Gibson and Kawiana Young.
The victim shared that Gibson sexually assaulted her numerous times beginning at the age of 15 until she aged out of foster care as an adult, according to the sheriff’s dept.
An investigation was opened and investigators learned that a minor child was currently living in the home of Gibson and his wife, Young.
Kawiana Young was charged with unlawful conduct towards a minor, says RCSD. (Photo: Richland Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
Investigators learned of allegations of physical abuse by Young against the minor child, and took the child into emergency protective custody on March 18.
An emergency protective custody hearing was held on March 20 where a family court judge returned the minor child to the home of Gibson and Young.
After conducting interviews and obtaining additional evidence, investigators obtained warrants for the arrest of Gibson and Young.
On April 1, 2026, RCSD’s Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Gibson and Young.
And the minor child was taken into emergency protective custody again by investigators following their arrests.
Gibson was charged with criminal sexual conduct 1st degree, criminal sexual conduct with a minor 2nd degree, unlawful conduct towards a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Young was charged with unlawful conduct towards a minor.
Both of them were taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
On April 2, 2026, Gibson was released on a $75,000 surety bond and Young was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Richland County Sheriff’s Department says Gibson is a pastor with Pathway 2 Hope Ministries while Young owns and operates daycare facility DreamCatcher Child Development Center.
RCSD encourages anyone who may have information in reference to other victims to call 911 to report it or submit a tip anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
