A grand jury in Oklahoma has indicted the founder of a prominent North Texas megachurch on five counts related to inappropriate sexual conduct with a minor. The accusations stem from alleged incidents occurring from the early 1980s, and notably, there is no statute of limitations affecting the case because the accused was not residing in Oklahoma at the time of the incidents.

Details of the Allegations

The indictment indicates that the abuse reportedly commenced around Christmas in 1982. It specifically states that the accused, identified as Morris, is charged with having intentionally touched the body and private parts of a then 12-year-old victim. Although the victim is not named in court documents, the initials and specifics align with allegations brought forward by Cindy Clemishire, who has publicly shared her story.

Clemishire has alleged that she experienced repeated molestation from Morris during her childhood, occurring while he was staying with her family as a traveling preacher. In addition to the incidents in 1982, the indictment elaborates on similar accusations from January 1983 and 1985. It highlights more severe conduct that escalated when Clemishire was between the ages of 13 and 14, where Morris allegedly removed her clothing and engaged in inappropriate behavior while they were inside a vehicle.

Public Reactions

Cindy Clemishire expressed relief regarding the indictment, stating, “After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable. My family and I are deeply grateful to the authorities who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible and remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail.”

A spokesperson for Gateway Church, where Morris served, noted their support for the justice system in addressing such grave matters. Additionally, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond remarked on the deplorable nature of the allegations, particularly given Morris’s role as a pastor who allegedly exploited his position of trust.

The Backstory

Morris’s resignation from Gateway Church coincided with the public disclosure of the allegations made by Clemishire last June. Reports indicate that she had previously raised her concerns with the church’s board of elders, who claimed to have been unaware of the specific age-related details of the victim involved. Following the emergence of these serious allegations, several elders were dismissed, and others associated with the claims were restricted from future leadership positions within the church.

Source Information

Details for this article were sourced from statements made by Cindy Clemishire, the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, and Gateway Church, along with preceding reports by FOX 4 News.