Robert Preston Morris, the founder of one of the nation’s largest megachurches, has pleaded guilty to multiple child sex abuse charges in Oklahoma, more than four decades after the abuse began.

The 64-year-old former pastor of Gateway Church admitted in court on October 2 to sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl over four years during his early years as a traveling evangelist, as New York Post reports.

Morris entered his guilty plea to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child at the Osage County Courthouse in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The hearing was overseen by Judge Cindy Pickerill, marking the conclusion of a painful legal process for the victim and the beginning of legal accountability for the former church leader.

Abuse Dates Back to the Early 1980s

The charges relate to abuse that began in 1982 when Morris was in his early 20s. At the time, he was staying with the family of Cindy Clemishire in Hominy, Oklahoma, while traveling as an evangelist. Clemishire, who was just 12 years old, was reportedly abused over the course of four years.

According to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, the prolonged abuse was particularly egregious due to Morris exploiting a position of trust as a religious figure staying in a family’s home. Drummond stated the victim endured years of trauma while the man responsible rose to national prominence in religious circles.

“There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children,” Drummond said, emphasizing that this case was particularly disturbing because it involved a trusted spiritual leader.

Legal Resolution and Sentencing Terms

As part of a plea agreement, Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence. He is required to serve six months in the Osage County Jail before his supervision will be transferred to Texas under an interstate compact agreement. He is also obligated to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to Clemishire, in addition to covering his jail and medical costs during incarceration.

Morris had been indicted earlier in 2025 by an Oklahoma grand jury following Clemishire’s decision to come forward publicly. In court, Morris was seen wearing a suit and handcuffs as he was escorted from the courtroom by two deputies.

When asked in 2024 about the pending accusations, Morris described his past misconduct as “kissing and petting,” denying full intercourse but admitting what occurred was wrong. At the time, he referred to these actions as occurring during a period of moral failing in his early 20s.

Survivor Speaks Out After Plea

Clemishire released a powerful statement following the guilty plea, noting the emotional weight of the judicial outcome. “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,” she said.

She also expressed hope that her decision to publicly name her abuser could encourage other survivors to share their experiences. “I hope that many victims hear my story, and it can help lift their shame and allow them to speak up,” she said.

In a further statement, Clemishire called for changes in law and society aimed at protecting children and elevating victims’ rights. She emphasized that public awareness and proactive responses are essential to stopping child sexual abuse.

Impact on Gateway Church and Public Response

Gateway Church, launched by Morris in 2000 in Southlake, Texas, has grown into a major religious institution, hosting high-profile events including a 2020 rally with former President Donald Trump. The church declined to comment on Morris’ legal case following his guilty plea.

Morris had already stepped down from his position as senior pastor in 2024, after Clemishire publicly accused him of abuse. His resignation came amid internal pressures and intensifying inquiries into his past conduct.

One of Morris’s attorneys, Bill Mateja, said his client wanted to formally accept legal responsibility for his actions. “While he believes that he long since accepted responsibility in the eyes of God and that Gateway Church was a manifestation of that acceptance, he readily accepted responsibility in the eyes of the law,” Mateja said.

Broader Implications for Faith and Accountability

The case has reignited conversations surrounding abuse in religious communities, particularly regarding how institutions and followers respond to allegations against prominent leaders. Advocates say the outcome underscores the need for ongoing vigilance, transparency, and survivor support across all spiritual organizations.

Though the abuse took place more than 40 years ago, the legal resolution offers a measure of justice and acknowledgment for the survivor. For many, the sentencing represents a rare instance of accountability in cases involving influential religious figures.

Morris’ future includes mandatory supervision, inscription on the sex offender registry, and repayment to his victim. For Clemishire and others watching, the ruling may also symbolize a broader step toward healing and institutional change.