News Release: Pastor and Wife Arrested for Crimes Against Children
- Deputy Jamie Burton
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
04/06/26
Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrests of Rodney Gibson (50) and Kawiana Young (50) in relation to abuse against children.
On March 12, 2026, it was reported to deputies that a victim came forward in reference to sexual abuse while in foster care in the home of Gibson and Young. The victim shared that Gibson sexually assaulted her numerous times beginning at the age of 15 until she aged out of foster care as an adult.
An investigation was opened and investigators learned that a minor child was currently residing in the home of Gibson and his wife, Young. Investigators learned of allegations of physical abuse by Young against the minor child, and took the child into Emergency Protective Custody on March 18, 2026. An Emergency Protective Custody hearing was held on March 20, 2026 where a Family Court judge returned the minor child to the home of Gibson and Young.
After conducting subsequent interviews and obtaining additional evidence, investigators obtained warrants for the arrest of Gibson and Young. On April 1, 2026, RCSD’s Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Gibson and Young. The minor child was taken into Emergency Protective Custody again by investigators following the arrests.
Gibson was charged with Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree, Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 2nd Degree, Unlawful Conduct Towards a Minor, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Young was charged with Unlawful Conduct Towards a Minor. They were transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.
On April 2, 2026, Gibson was released on a $75,000 surety bond and Young was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond.
Gibson is a pastor with Pathway 2 Hope Ministries while Young owns and operates daycare facility DreamCatcher Child Development Center. Due to these positions, Gibson and Young have been in proximity to other children. RCSD encourages anyone who may have information in reference to other victims to call 911 to report it or submit a tip anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
