A Victim Breaks Silence (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Columbia, South Carolina – Authorities in Richland County arrested a local pastor and his wife following allegations of sexual and physical abuse against children in their foster care. The case, which began unfolding in March 2026, has stunned residents who knew the couple through church services and a nearby daycare center.[1][2] Richland County Sheriff’s deputies acted swiftly after a former foster child came forward with harrowing details of repeated assaults.
A Victim Breaks Silence
On March 12, 2026, a woman reported to deputies that Rodney Gibson had sexually assaulted her multiple times. The abuse allegedly started when she was 15 years old and continued until she aged out of the foster care system.[1] She had lived in the home shared by Gibson and his wife, Kawiana Young, during that period.
Investigators uncovered additional claims during their probe. Young faced accusations of physically abusing another child residing with the couple. That child entered emergency protective custody on March 18 but returned home two days later following a Family Court decision.[1]
Arrests and Serious Charges
Deputies from the Richland County Sheriff’s Fugitive Task Force took Gibson and Young into custody on April 1, 2026. Both individuals, aged 50, appeared at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.[3] Gibson posted a $75,000 surety bond the next day, while Young secured release on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Prosecutors filed multiple charges against Gibson. He faced counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, unlawful conduct toward a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and unlawful conduct with a minor.[1][2] Young received charges of unlawful conduct toward a minor and unlawful conduct with a minor.
- First-degree criminal sexual conduct (Gibson)
- Second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor (Gibson)
- Unlawful conduct toward a minor (both)
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Gibson)
- Unlawful conduct with a minor (both)
Roles in Community Raise Concerns
Gibson served as pastor at Pathway 2 Hope Ministries, which held Sunday services at a rented event center in northeast Columbia. Young owned and operated DreamCatcher Child Development Center in the same city.[1] Their positions granted them regular access to children, prompting investigators to worry about potential additional victims.
The South Carolina Department of Social Services confirmed Young’s status as a licensed foster parent from June 30, 2021, to June 5, 2025. She cared for six children during that time under the management of the South Carolina Youth Advocate Program. Young voluntarily gave up her license and never listed Gibson as a household member or spouse.[1] The physically abused child had been adopted by Young from foster care in 2024.
Authorities removed that child into protective custody again after the arrests. Deputies urged anyone with information on other possible victims to contact 911 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-888-CRIME-SC.[2]
Community Grapples with the News
Neighbors on the 200 block of Fernview Drive, where the arrests occurred, described a heavy police presence that day. The typically quiet area saw increased caution among residents about children playing outside.[2] A worker near Young’s daycare called the revelations disturbing.
“It’s really shocking. You think you know a person, but you never really know what they’re capable of,” the individual said. “I’m going to wait until the legal process plays out, but if it’s true, it’s very disturbing.”[1]
Sheriff Leon Lott highlighted the risks posed by the couple’s community roles. He noted concerns over their interactions with children through the church and daycare operations.
Key Takeaways
- The primary victim reported abuse starting at age 15, spanning years in foster care.
- Young’s foster license covered six children; DSS found no prior marriage disclosure.
- Both suspects released on bond; investigation seeks other victims.
This case underscores vulnerabilities in foster care systems and the trust placed in community leaders. As proceedings continue, residents await further developments. What are your thoughts on protecting children in faith and care settings? Share in the comments below.
