Gateway Church Founder Robert Morris Indicted on Child Sex Abuse Charges.

Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.

The 63-year-old megachurch pastor, who resigned last year after admitting to “inappropriate sexual behavior” in the 1980s, now faces serious criminal charges stemming from decades-old allegations.

Decades-Old Allegations Lead to Criminal Charges

The indictment accuses Morris of sexually abusing Cindy Clemishire, beginning in December 1982, when he was 21 years old and she was just 12. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office alleges that the abuse continued for four years, during which Morris stayed at Clemishire’s home in Hominy, Oklahoma.

Clemishire first publicly accused Morris in June 2023, leading to his resignation. At the time, Morris admitted to engaging in “kissing and petting” but denied intercourse, insisting that his actions were wrong but not criminal. However, the indictment tells a different story, alleging that Morris inappropriately touched, undressed, and rubbed himself against the victim multiple times between the ages of 12 and 14.

According to Clemishire, Morris warned her never to reveal the abuse, telling her:

“Never tell anyone about this. It will ruin everything.”

Fallout at Gateway Church

Morris’ confession last year led to his immediate resignation as senior pastor of Gateway Church, one of the largest megachurches in the United States, based in Southlake, Texas.

The church’s Board of Elders later claimed they had no prior knowledge of the victim’s age or the extent of the abuse, believing his misconduct involved a consenting adult rather than a child.

Following his indictment, Gateway Church issued a statement expressing support for the justice system and solidarity with survivors of abuse:

“We are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable for their actions. We continue to pray for Cindy Clemishire and her family, for the members and staff of Gateway Church, and for all of those impacted by this terrible situation.”

Attempts at Restitution and Legal Battles

Clemishire has pursued justice for nearly 43 years, first seeking restitution from Morris as early as 2005. In 2007, she hired Gentner Drummond, who is now Oklahoma’s Attorney General, to represent her in negotiations with Morris.

However, the negotiations collapsed when Morris allegedly asked how much her silence would cost and insisted she sign a nondisclosure agreement—a condition Clemishire refused.

Oklahoma Attorney General Condemns Morris

Attorney General Drummond issued a strong statement condemning Morris’ actions:

“There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children. This case is all the more despicable because the alleged perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position. The victim in this case has waited far too many years for justice to be done.”

Legal Proceedings and Potential Prison Sentence

As of Wednesday, Morris was not in custody, but the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office is working with his attorneys to coordinate his surrender. Charges will be formally entered in Osage County, and a judge will set his initial court appearance and bond.

Each count of lewd or indecent acts with a child carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, meaning Morris could face a lengthy sentence if convicted.