The founder of a prominent Texas megachurch has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child sex abuse. Robert Preston Morris, 64, entered his pleas in Osage County, Oklahoma. This admission comes after allegations surfaced from a victim who accused him of abuse that began in the early 1980s.
Details of the Case
Morris was accused of sexually abusing a girl starting in 1982 when she was only 12 years old. The abuse took place over four years while he was a traveling evangelist in Hominy, Oklahoma. The case was brought to light when the victim, Cindy Clemishire, who is now 55, made her allegations public.
Plea Agreement and Sentencing
- Morris pleaded guilty to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child.
- He received a 10-year suspended sentence, with the first six months to be served in county jail.
- Morris must register as a sex offender and will be monitored by Texas authorities.
- He is also responsible for paying incarceration costs and restitution to the victim.
During the court proceedings, Morris was handcuffed and appeared in a suit. He expressed a desire to take responsibility for his actions and sought forgiveness from Clemishire and her family.
Victim’s Statement
Cindy Clemishire expressed that justice has finally been served. She hopes her story inspires other victims to speak out. “The only way to stop child sexual abuse is to speak up when it happens or is suspected,” she stated.
Background on Morris
Robert Morris founded Gateway Church in 2000, and it quickly became one of the largest megachurches in the nation. He was also known for his political connections, having served on President Donald Trump’s evangelical advisory board.
Morris’s indictment came after a grand jury in Oklahoma reviewed the evidence against him. In light of his guilty pleas, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized the importance of protecting children from predators.
Gateway Church has not made a public statement regarding Morris’s guilty pleas. This case highlights the critical need for continued advocacy for victims of abuse.
