Former Gateway Church pastor Robert Morris has been indicted on five counts of child sexual abuse in Oklahoma, according to an announcement from the state’s attorney general’s office on Wednesday.
Morris, 63, stepped down from his role at the Texas-based church last year following allegations of misconduct. The charges stem from accusations that he abused a minor in the 1980s while serving as a traveling evangelist.
According to the indictment, the alleged abuse began in 1982 when the victim was 12 years old and continued for four years. At the time, Morris was reportedly staying with the victim’s family in Hominy, Oklahoma. He now faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child.
The victim, Cindy Clemishire, who is now 55, expressed relief that legal action had been taken. “After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child,” she stated.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the alleged offenses, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges. He noted that due to Morris’s absence from Oklahoma over the years, the statute of limitations did not apply in this case.
“There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children,” Drummond said. “The victim in this case has waited far too many years for justice to be done.”
Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000 and grew into one of the largest churches in the U.S., acknowledged the indictment and expressed support for those affected. In a statement, the church affirmed its commitment to justice and accountability.
If convicted, Morris could face up to 20 years in prison for each count. As of Wednesday, he had not been taken into custody.
