A South Carolina pastor who once served 10 years in federal prison before having his sentence commuted by President Trump has been arrested after being accused of sexually abusing a foster child in his care.
Rodney Gibson, 50, pled guilty to federal drug and gun charges in 2009. Sentenced to more than three decades in prison, he had his sentence commuted by Trump in 2021 but still remained on federal probation.
Once released, he began pastoring with Pathway 2 Hope Ministries and became a foster parent with his wife, Kawiana Young.
On March 12, one of the alleged victims came forward and accused Gibson of sexually abusing him numerous times starting in 2023, when he was 15 years old.According to WAFB:
“The South Carolina Department of Social Services said in a statement that Young was a licensed foster parent from June 2021 until June 2025, when she voluntarily gave up her foster parent license. DSS also said Young did not mention Gibson living at the home, nor was his name on the license. According to DSS, Young not only never reported being married but also disclosed that she wasn’t in a relationship.
Officials also said the foster child who was removed from the home in March was adopted by Young in 2024. DSS said it will continue to cooperate in the investigation.”
After further interviews and investigation, police obtained arrest warrants for the couple, who both posted bond and were released the next day.
Gibson was charged with unlawful conduct with a minor, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His wife was only charged with unlawful conduct with a minor,
