OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Robert Preston Morris, the founder of the Gateway Church in Texas, who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child in the 1980s, was released from an Oklahoma jail on Tuesday after completing six months of his sentence.
The 64-year-old Morris was released just after midnight, according to Osage County Sheriff’s Capt. Matt Clark. Under a plea agreement reached last year, he pleaded guilty to five counts of lewd or indecent acts involving a child, receiving a 10-year suspended sentence with the initial six months served in jail.
According to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond's office, the abuse began in 1982 when the victim, Cindy Clemishire, was just 12 years old and Morris was a traveling evangelist staying with her family.
Morris led one of the nation's largest megachurches until June 2024 when he resigned amidst the allegations. He was indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury following the claims made against him.
Upon his release, Morris must register as a sex offender and adhere to supervision by Texas authorities, along with covering his incarceration costs and making restitution to Clemishire.
Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, stated in the past that she felt justice had been served, remarking that Morris’s manipulation and abuse of her as a young girl had finally been addressed. Her attorney, Jeff Leach, emphasized their commitment to pursuing further justice, not just against Morris but against those who enabled his actions.
Morris, through his attorney Bill Mateja, issued an apology to Clemishire and her family, acknowledging the wrongs of his past actions. He expressed gratitude for Clemishire's bravery in coming forward.
Gateway Church, established by Morris in 2000, has long been a prominent institution, noted for its political engagement and hosting events with influential figures, including former President Donald Trump.
