Oklahoma Woman Alleges Decades-Old Abuse by Former Megachurch Pastor
OKLAHOMA CITY — A disturbing case has come to the forefront as an Oklahoma woman recounts the chilling memories of sexual abuse that began over 40 years ago. The woman, recalling her childhood experiences, accused former Texas megachurch pastor Robert Preston Morris of abusing her starting in 1982 when she was just 12 years old.
On Monday, Morris, now 63, surrendered to authorities in Osage County after being indicted on multiple charges of child sexual abuse. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.
Cindy Clemishire, the woman bringing these allegations to light, reported that the abuse began on Christmas in 1982 during Morris’ stay at her family home and continued for four years. After nearly 43 years, she expressed relief that the system is finally addressing the horrific actions she endured as a child. “Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable,” she stated following the announcement of the charges by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
Morris has not publicly commented on the charges but his attorney indicated that he intends to plead not guilty. In previous statements, Morris acknowledged engaging in “inappropriate sexual behavior” during his early 20s but framed the encounters as non-violent.
The Oklahoma multi-county grand jury, which operates in secrecy, indicted Morris last week, and the details were subsequently unsealed. He faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, each carrying a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Notably, the statute of limitations does not apply due to Morris’ residency at the time of the offenses.
Morris previously served as the pastor of Gateway Church, which he founded in 2000 in Southlake, Texas, and has attracted over 100,000 attendees each weekend across multiple locations.
The church has publicly expressed support for Clemishire and others affected by the situation, emphasizing their gratitude for the judicial process in addressing such grave matters.
