Former Megachurch Pastor Pleads Guilty to Indecency Charges

Robert Morris, a former megachurch pastor, entered a guilty plea in an Oklahoma court on Thursday, admitting to five counts of indecency, including indecency involving a child. The plea deal will see him serve a sentence of 10 years, with the first six months in prison.

At 63, Morris is known as the founder of Gateway Church, established in 2000 in Dallas. By 2019, the church was one of the largest in the U.S., drawing about 31,000 attendees. He’s authored several books as well.

However, in 2024, Morris faced serious allegations from a woman who claimed that she had been sexually abused at the age of 12 in Oklahoma during the 1980s. This led her to step down from Gateway Church, and she was present to witness the plea proceedings. At the time of the alleged abuse, Morris was likely in his early twenties.

His accuser, Cindy Kremisher, was involved in the plea negotiations. Under the agreement, Morris is required to pay Kremisher $270,000, in addition to registering as a sex offender. Kremisher has stated that the abuse lasted several years.

“I’m not a victim; I’m a survivor,” Kremisher expressed in a statement read during the hearing.

The plea deal mandates that Morris spend six months in Osage County prison, followed by a 10-year period of suspension or probation, during which he will be monitored by Texas authorities.

Kremisher remarked on the justice served, indicating that it was about time someone held accountable for the manipulation and abuse that occurred. She hopes her experiences resonate with other victims, encouraging them to find their voice. “I think the law needs to evolve. Children and victims’ rights should be better protected. Speaking up is crucial to prevent such abuses,” she emphasized.

A spokesperson for Morris reiterated his intent to take responsibility, stating he chose to plead guilty to bring closure for both himself and Kremisher’s family.