Ex-Texas Megachurch Pastor Charged with Child Sexual Abuse in Oklahoma

DALLAS—A former pastor of a Texas megachurch, who stepped down after a woman accused him of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s, has been indicted in Oklahoma on charges of child sexual abuse, as confirmed by the attorney general’s office on Wednesday.

Robert Preston Morris, 63, faces five counts of committing lewd or indecent acts with a child.

The alleged abuse reportedly began in 1982 when the victim, identified in the indictment as C.C., was just 12 years old, and Morris was a traveling evangelist residing with her family in Hominy, Oklahoma. It is alleged that the abuse persisted for four years.

Cindy Clemishire, the woman who has accused Morris, expressed her gratitude to the authorities for their efforts leading to the indictment and conveyed her hope that “justice will ultimately prevail.”

“After nearly 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrendous crimes he committed against me as a child,” stated Clemishire, who is now 55. “It is time for the legal system to hold him accountable.”

The Associated Press generally refrains from naming individuals who allege they have been sexually assaulted; however, Clemishire requested that her name be publicly used.

Attempts to reach Morris through the phone numbers associated with him were unsuccessful, as the numbers appeared disconnected or went unanswered. It remains unclear if he has obtained legal representation.

“There will be zero tolerance for individuals who exploit children,” stated Attorney General Gentner Drummond. “This case is especially reprehensible as the accused was a pastor who misused his authority. The victim has endured far too long in her pursuit of justice.”

The Gateway Church, located in the Dallas suburb of Southlake, was established by Morris in 2000. They issued a statement on Wednesday expressing their prayers for Clemishire and “all those affected by this tragic situation.”

“We are aware of the proceedings initiated by Oklahoma’s legal authorities and appreciate their efforts in ensuring that abusers are held accountable,” the statement noted.

Morris stepped down from his position in the church last year after allegations surfaced on the religious oversight blog, The Wartburg Watch.

Clemishire recounted to The Dallas Morning News last year that she first met Morris in 1981 when he was preaching at her family’s church in Oklahoma. She detailed how Morris and his family formed a close relationship with hers and that the abuse began when he stayed at their home in 1982.

The church has multiple locations and is recognized as one of the largest in the United States, according to the attorney general’s office.

Morris, known for his political activism, could potentially face up to 20 years in prison for each of the five charges against him, as stated by the attorney general’s office. He was not in custody as of Wednesday.