Former Megachurch Pastor Released from Jail After Child Abuse Conviction
Robert Morris, the 64-year-old founder of Texas's Gateway Church and a former spiritual adviser to Donald Trump, has been released from an Oklahoma jail after serving six months of a ten-year sentence for sexually abusing a child in the 1980s.
Guilty Plea and Sentence Details
In early October, Morris pleaded guilty in Osage County District Court to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. Under a plea agreement, he was sentenced to ten years, with only six months to be served in the Osage County jail and the remainder suspended. He was also required to register as a sex offender and pay $270,000 in restitution to the victim.
Jail records and local reports confirm that Morris was released from custody early on Tuesday, having completed his sentence. According to CBS News, he will remain under supervision with nine and a half years of probation.
Background of the Case and Victim's Statement
The victim, Cindy Clemishire, publicly identified herself in 2024, stating that the abuse began in 1982 when she was 12 years old and Morris was 21. At the time, Morris was working as a traveling preacher, and Clemishire's family allowed him to stay at their home in Oklahoma.
Clemishire was present in the courtroom when Morris pleaded guilty. In a prepared statement, she emphasized, "There is no such thing as consent from a 12-year-old child. We were never in an 'inappropriate relationship.' I was not a 'young lady' but a child. You committed a crime against me."
Impact on Gateway Church and Political Connections
Morris resigned as senior pastor of Gateway Church in 2024 after Clemishire went public with her allegations. He was indicted in March 2025 on the counts to which he later pleaded guilty. Gateway Church, located in Southlake, Texas, grew into one of the largest megachurches in the United States under Morris's leadership.
During Donald Trump's first term as president, Morris served on an evangelical advisory board. Trump also attended a roundtable at Gateway Church in June 2020, highlighting Morris's political ties.
Resources for Abuse Survivors
For those affected by similar issues, support is available through various organizations. In the United States, individuals can call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline at 800-422-4453 or visit their website for resources and reporting options. Adult survivors of child abuse can seek help at ascasupport.org.
In the United Kingdom, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111 and to adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) provides support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.
In Australia, children, young adults, parents, and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, while adult survivors can seek assistance at the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Additional resources can be found through Child Helpline International.
