Gateway Church founder Robert Morris pleads guilty in child sexual abuse case
Published by RawNews1st
Robert Morris, founding pastor of Gateway Church ā a Texas-based megachurch with one of the largest congregations in the country ā pleaded guilty Thursday to charges of indecent conduct with a child.
The plea was entered during a scheduled hearing in Osage County. Afterwards, Morris was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with all but six months suspended. He will serve his time in Osage County and then be placed on probation for nine and a half years in Texas and is required to register as a sex offender.
The charges stem from an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused a young girl in Oklahoma more than 40 years ago.
As the afternoon began, Morris entered the courthouse in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, flanked by his wife, his adult children, and several of their spouses. After the hearing ended, he took time to hug family members, before being escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs.
Gateway Church declined to comment on Morris’ guilty plea. In a statement, Cindy Clemishire, who was 12 when the abuse against her began, said she hopes her case will serve as an inspiration for others.
“Today justice has finally been served, and the man who manipulated, groomed, and abused me as a 12-year-old innocent girl is finally going to be behind bars,” Clemishire said. “My hope is that many victims hear my story, and it can help lift their shame and allow them to speak up. I hope that laws continue to change and new ones are written so children and victims’ rights are better protected. I hope that people understand the only way to stop child sexual abuse is to speak up when it happens or is suspected.”
Texas state Rep. Jeff Leach, who authored the Texas House version of the new state law banning non-disclosure agreements in cases of child sexual abuse, was in the courtroom when Morris entered his plea.
He will also have to pay Clemishire $270,000 in restitution.
