Nationwide — Rodney Gibson, a pastor from Columbia, South Carolina, and his spouse, Kawiana Younger, have been arrested after authorities accused Gibson of sexually abusing a foster youngster of their residence. Investigators additionally uncovered allegations involving one other minor, and officers say the case might contain extra victims.
Richland County deputies charged each Gibson and Younger, each 50 years outdated, with illegal conduct with a minor. Gibson additionally faces a number of further fees, together with first-degree legal sexual conduct, second-degree legal sexual conduct with a minor, illegal conduct towards a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Based on WLBT, authorities mentioned the investigation began on March 12 after a sufferer reported sexual abuse that allegedly occurred whereas residing in foster care on the couple’s residence. The sufferer advised investigators the abuse started once they have been 15 and continued by way of a number of incidents till they left the foster care system.
Throughout the investigation, officers recognized one other minor residing within the residence. That youngster additionally reported abuse, saying Gibson sexually abused them and Younger bodily abused them. Officers positioned the minor in emergency protecting custody on March 18 whereas they investigated the claims.
A household court docket later returned that youngster to Gibson and Younger throughout a listening to on March 20. After additional interviews and extra proof, investigators secured arrest warrants for each suspects. Deputies arrested Gibson and Younger on April 1, and the kid was once more positioned in emergency protecting custody.
The South Carolina Division of Social Companies mentioned Younger held a foster care license from June 2021 to June 2025 and cared for six kids throughout that interval. She later gave up her foster license voluntarily. The company additionally mentioned Gibson was not listed on the license and was not reported as residing within the residence.
Gibson serves as a pastor at Pathway 2 Hope Ministries in Columbia. Younger works within the childcare sector in the identical space. A neighborhood member described the state of affairs as stunning, saying folks typically don’t actually know what others are able to till allegations floor.
Each Gibson and Younger have been launched on bond on April 2. Gibson’s bond was set at $75,000, whereas Younger’s was set at $10,000. Authorities mentioned the investigation remains to be lively and consider there could also be further victims. They’re encouraging anybody with data to contact investigators or submit an nameless tip.
