South Carolina Pastor and Wife Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Foster Child
A South Carolina pastor, Rodney Gibson, and his wife, Kawiana Young, have been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to the alleged sexual and physical abuse of foster children placed in their care. The couple, both aged 50, were taken into custody on April 1, 2026, following a detailed investigation by the Richland County Sheriff's Department.
Charges and Allegations
Rodney Gibson faces serious charges including criminal sexual conduct, criminal sexual conduct with a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Both he and his wife have been charged with unlawful conduct with a minor. The investigation was initiated in March 2026 after a victim came forward to report alleged sexual abuse that reportedly began when they were 15 years old and continued until they aged out of the foster care system.
Foster Care Licensing Discrepancies
According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS), Kawiana Young was licensed as a foster parent from June 2021 until June 2025, having voluntarily relinquished her license. However, DSS officials noted that there was no record of Rodney Gibson living in the home, and he was not licensed as a foster parent. Young allegedly never informed the agency that she was married and instead disclosed that she was not in a relationship, raising significant concerns about transparency and compliance with foster care regulations.
Additional Child Abuse Allegations
During the investigation, authorities discovered another child in the home, whom Young had reportedly adopted through the foster care system in 2024. This child was allegedly subjected to physical abuse by Young. In March 2026, the child was placed in protective custody but was returned to the home just days later. Following the arrests of Gibson and Young, the child was again placed in protective custody, with DSS committing to ongoing cooperation in the investigation.
Community Roles and Current Status
Rodney Gibson has been identified as a pastor at Pathway 2 Hope Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina, while Kawiana Young owns and operates the DreamCatcher Child Development Center in the same city. Both individuals are currently out of jail on bond as legal proceedings continue. The case has sparked widespread concern about child welfare and the oversight of foster care placements, highlighting the need for stringent vetting and monitoring of foster parents.
The Richland County Sheriff's Department and DSS are working collaboratively to ensure the safety of all children involved and to pursue justice in this troubling case. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and court dates are scheduled.
