SC Pastor and Wife Arrested for Abuse of Foster Child

The quiet atmosphere of the 200 block of Fernview Drive in northeast Columbia was shattered on April 1, when a heavy police presence signaled the culmination of a disturbing investigation. For many residents in this typically peaceful neighborhood, the sight of multiple patrol cars was an anomaly, but for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, it was the final step in a case involving a profound breach of trust. The arrests of Rodney Gibson and Kawiana Young have sent ripples through the community, highlighting the vulnerabilities inherent in systems designed to protect the most fragile members of society.

The Allegations and Legal Charges in Richland County

The investigation, which began on March 12, 2026, centers on harrowing reports of sexual and physical abuse occurring within a foster home. Rodney Gibson, a 50-year-old pastor at Pathway 2 Hope Ministries, and his wife, Kawiana Young, also 50, who owns and operates the DreamCatcher Child Development Center, now face a series of severe criminal charges. According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, the case first gained momentum when a victim reported enduring sexual abuse while in foster care at the couple’s residence. This individual alleged that Gibson sexually assaulted them numerous times, a pattern of abuse that began when the victim was 15 and continued until they aged out of the foster care system as an adult.

The legal ramifications for Gibson are extensive. He is currently facing charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, unlawful conduct toward a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Kawiana Young is charged with unlawful conduct with a minor. The gravity of these charges underscores the alleged systemic nature of the abuse, which investigators believe may extend beyond the identified victims.

The Timeline of Protective Custody and Intervention

One of the most concerning aspects of this case is the timeline regarding the current minor living in the home. During the initial investigation, officials learned that another child was residing with Gibson and Young. This child informed investigators of sexual abuse by Gibson and physical abuse by Young. In response, the child was placed in emergency protective custody (EPC) on March 18.

However, a subsequent hearing on March 20 before a family court judge resulted in the child being returned to the home of Gibson and Young. It was only after the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conducted further interviews and gathered additional evidence that arrest warrants were finally secured. By the time the Fugitive Task Force arrested the couple on April 1, the minor child was immediately placed back into emergency protective custody. The couple was released on bond the following day, April 2.

Systemic Failures and the Role of the SC DSS

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has come under scrutiny following statements regarding Kawiana Young’s status as a foster parent. Young was a licensed foster parent from June 2021 until June 2025, during which time she cared for six children in her home. The agency noted that Young voluntarily relinquished her license in June 2025.

More alarming is the revelation that Young failed to disclose key information to the agency. According to the SC DSS, Young never reported that she was married, claiming she was not in a relationship. There was no mention of Rodney Gibson living at the residence, and his name was not listed on the foster care license. This lack of transparency effectively bypassed the vetting processes intended to ensure the safety of children placed in foster care. For those navigating the complexities of foster care safety and oversight, this case serves as a stark reminder of the gaps that can exist in regulatory monitoring.

The Critical Role of School Resource Officers

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott emphasized the pivotal role that school resource officers (SROs) played in bringing this case to light. The investigation was triggered after an SRO received information and reported it to authorities. Lott noted that SROs are often the first point of contact for children who experience safe enough to confide in them, making their presence in schools a vital component of child protection. The ability of a student to trust a school official can be the difference between continued abuse and the start of a criminal investigation.

Authorities have expressed concern that because both suspects had significant access to children—Gibson through his ministry and Young through her daycare—there could be additional victims. The community is being urged to come forward with any information that could assist the Richland County Sheriff’s Department in their ongoing efforts to identify other potential victims.

Navigating Recovery and Legal Protection in Columbia

Given my background in analyzing geo-specific crime trends and community resource allocation, cases of this magnitude require a multi-disciplinary approach to recovery and justice. If you or a loved one in the Columbia area have been impacted by similar circumstances or are seeking to ensure the safety of a child in the foster system, you need specialized professional support. Navigating the intersection of criminal law and social services in South Carolina requires specific expertise.

When seeking help in the Richland County area, residents should appear for these three categories of professionals:

Trauma-Informed Child Advocacy Attorneys

These are not general practitioners but specialists in family law and juvenile justice. When vetting an attorney, ensure they have a documented history of handling Emergency Protective Custody (EPC) hearings and are well-versed in the specific protocols of the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Look for those who prioritize the “best interests of the child” standard and have experience coordinating with the Guardian ad Litem.

Certified Trauma Therapists (Specializing in CSA)

Recovery from childhood sexual abuse (CSA) requires more than general counseling. Look for licensed clinicians in Columbia who are certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). It is essential that the provider is licensed by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensed Professional Counselors and has a specific specialization in pediatric trauma.

Foster Care Compliance Consultants

For families or organizations looking to improve the safety of their care environments, compliance experts can provide independent audits. Seek professionals who understand the South Carolina foster care licensing requirements and can conduct thorough background checks and home safety assessments that go beyond the minimum state requirements to ensure a truly secure environment for reporting and preventing child abuse.

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