The founder of a Texas megachurch who stepped down as senior pastor last year following his admission of “inappropriate sexual behavior” in the 1980s has been indicted on five criminal charges related to a child, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office. Robert Morris, 63, the founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, as stated by the attorney general’s office. The allegations claim that the abuse began in December 1982 when Morris, then 21, was visiting the victim’s home in Hominy, Oklahoma, who was 12 years old at the time. The abuse reportedly continued for four years.
It remains unclear if Morris has legal representation for the criminal case revealed on Wednesday. Gateway Church in Southlake, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, is one of the largest megachurches in the United States. Following accusations by Cindy Clemishire of sexual abuse during her childhood, Morris admitted to engaging in “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady in a home where I was staying.” He resigned as senior pastor three days later, with the church’s Board of Elders stating they were unaware of the victim’s age or the duration of the abuse.
The indictment against Morris was issued by a multicounty grand jury, as confirmed by the attorney general’s office. Attorney General Gentner Drummond emphasized zero tolerance for individuals who exploit children sexually, particularly condemning the alleged acts perpetrated by a pastor who took advantage of his position of trust. The victim, identified as C.C. in the indictment, was reportedly touched inappropriately by Morris starting from December 25, 1982, when she was 12, and on subsequent occasions when she was 13 to 14 years old. The indictment also mentioned an incident where Morris removed the victim’s clothes when she was 12.
Cindy Clemishire, the victim in this case, disclosed that Morris instructed her to keep the abuse a secret, warning her that it would have negative consequences if exposed. In a recent statement, Clemishire expressed gratitude towards the authorities for pursuing justice in this long-awaited case.
Authorities are being commended for their efforts in handling the criminal case. A survivor of Robert Morris’ crimes expressed relief that after nearly 43 years, justice is catching up with him. In seeking reimbursement for counseling expenses in 2007, negotiations with Morris broke down over a nondisclosure agreement. Morris, a former member of President Donald Trump’s spiritual advisory committee, is facing charges related to lewd acts on a child. Despite being out of custody, arrangements are being made for his surrender. The charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years.
