A former pastor of a Texas megachurch who resigned after a girl accused him of sexually abusing her within the Eighties has been indicted in Oklahoma on youngster sexual abuse fees, that state’s lawyer basic’s workplace mentioned Wednesday.
Robert Preston Morris, 63, has been charged with 5 counts of lewd or indecent acts with a toddler.
The alleged abuse began in 1982 when the sufferer, referred to within the indictment as C.C., was 12 years previous and Morris was a touring evangelist staying in Hominy, Oklahoma, together with her household, in line with the lawyer basic’s workplace. The abuse allegedly continued for 4 years.
Cindy Clemishire, Morris’ accuser, mentioned in an announcement that she could be very grateful to the authorities who’ve labored to make the indictment doable and is hopeful “justice will in the end prevail.”
“After virtually 43 years, the regulation has lastly caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he dedicated in opposition to me as a toddler,” mentioned Clemishire, now 55. “Now, it’s time for the authorized system to carry him accountable.”
The Related Press usually doesn’t title individuals who say they’ve been sexually assaulted, however Clemishire mentioned she would love her title included.
Cellphone numbers related to Morris have been both disconnected or messages weren’t instantly returned Wednesday. It was unclear whether or not he has an lawyer.
“There might be no tolerance for many who sexually prey on youngsters,” Legal professional Basic Gentner Drummond mentioned in an announcement. “This case is all of the extra despicable as a result of the alleged perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his place. The sufferer on this case has waited far too a few years for justice to be executed.”
The Gateway Church, based mostly within the Dallas suburb of Southlake, was based by Morris in 2000.
It mentioned in an announcement Wednesday that its members are praying for Clemishire and “all of these impacted by this horrible state of affairs.”
“We’re conscious of the actions being taken by the authorized authorities in Oklahoma and are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable for his or her actions,” the assertion mentioned.
Morris resigned final yr from the church after allegations got here to mild on the spiritual watchdog weblog The Wartburg Watch.
Clemishire instructed The Dallas Morning Information final yr that she met Morris in 1981, when he was a touring preacher and commenced preaching at her household’s church in Oklahoma.
She mentioned Morris and his spouse and younger son grew to become near her household. She mentioned he was staying at her home in 1982 when the abuse started.
The church has a number of areas within the space. It’s among the many largest in america, in line with the lawyer basic’s workplace.
Morris was recognized to be politically energetic. The church hosted President Donald Trump on its Dallas campus in 2020 for a dialogue on race relations and the economic system.
Morris might withstand 20 years in jail for every of the 5 fees, in line with the lawyer basic’s workplace. He was not in custody as of Wednesday.
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