Texas-based pastor who abused Oklahoma 12-year-old starting in 1982 sraw six-month sentence and probation

Robert Preston Morris

Robert Preston Morris, the 64-year-old founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, pleaded guilty today to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, stemming from incidents dating back to the 1980s.

The plea was entered before Osage County District Special Judge Cindy Pickerill, marking a significant development in a case that has rocked the evangelical community.

Morris, who stepped down as senior pastor of the megachurch last summer, faced indictment earlier this year by a Multi-County Grand Jury. The abuse began in December 1982 when Morris, then a traveling evangelist, visited the family of his victim in Hominy.

The victim, Cindy Clemishire, was just 12 years old at the time, and the abuse persisted over the next four years.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence, with the first six months to be served in the Osage County Jail. He is required to register as a sex offender and will be supervised by Texas authorities through an interstate compact.

Additionally, Morris must cover his incarceration costs, including medical expenses, and provide restitution to Clemishire.

Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the crime, stating, "There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children. This case is all the more despicable because the perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position of trust and authority. The victim in this case has waited far too many years for this day."

Clemishire, now an adult, addressed the court, reflecting on the plea’s impact. “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,” she 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.”

Clemishire concluded with a note of resilience: “Today is a new beginning for me, my family, and friends who have been by my side through this horrendous journey. I leave this courtroom today not as a victim, but a survivor.”