Megachurch Founder Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse Charges
Authorities have reported that the founder of a prominent Texas megachurch, who stepped down after facing sexual abuse accusations from the 1980s, has pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent behavior with a child. Robert Preston Morris, aged 64, reached a plea agreement with an Oklahoma state judge on Thursday, according to a statement from the state’s Attorney General’s Office.
The allegations trace back to 1982 when Morris, acting as a traveling evangelist, began abusing a 12-year-old girl, with the misconduct continuing for several years.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond commented, “There’s no tolerance for those who exploit children. This case is particularly vile because it involved a pastor who misused his authority. The victim waited far too long for justice.” Morris has been connected with Gateway Church in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which he founded in 2000 and led until his resignation last summer.
As part of the plea deal, Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence, which includes six months to be spent at the Osage County Jail. He will also register as a sex offender and is responsible for paying his incarceration-related fees as well as compensation to the victim.
Cindy Kremisher, the victim, expressed her relief, stating, “Finally, justice has been served, and the man who manipulated and abused me is facing consequences.”
Bill Mateja, part of Morris’ legal team, indicated that the plea was meant to take responsibility and offer closure to both families involved. He noted that while Morris had long acknowledged his actions before God, he was also willing to accept legal accountability.
In a personal reflection, Morris had admitted in the past about his “moral failures,” emphasizing the importance of recognizing wrongdoing. Notably, he also previously served on President Donald Trump’s Evangelical Advisory Committee and had hosted him for discussions in 2020 on significant social issues at Gateway Church.
Morris’ case underscores the complex dynamics of trust and authority, particularly in faith-based environments. Kremisher concluded her statement on a hopeful note: “Today marks a new beginning for me and my supporters during this harrowing experience. I am not just a victim; I am a survivor.”
