Texas Megachurch Founder Released After Serving Time for Child Sexual Abuse

Thu Apr 02 2026 22:23:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Robert Preston Morris, a former megachurch pastor who pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child, has been released from jail after serving six months of his sentence.

Robert Preston Morris, a 64-year-old founder of a Texas megachurch, has completed six months in an Oklahoma jail as part of a plea agreement for sexually abusing a child in the 1980s. Following his release, Morris, who must register as a sex offender, expressed remorse for his actions. The victim, now in her 50s, plans to pursue further justice in civil court.

Oklahoma City (AP) — Robert Preston Morris, the founder of a prominent Texas megachurch and former senior pastor of Gateway Church, was released Tuesday after serving six months in an Osage County jail for his role in sexually abusing a child during the 1980s.

The 64-year-old pastor was released just after midnight, confirmed Osage County Sheriff’s Capt. Matt Clark.

In 2022, Morris pleaded guilty to five counts of lewd acts with a child as part of a plea agreement that resulted in a 10-year suspended sentence, with the initial six months spent in jail. The criminal behavior began when the victim was a mere 12 years old and involved Morris, a traveling evangelist at the time, staying with the victim’s family in Hominy, Oklahoma, as stated by Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond.

Morris, who led one of the nation’s largest megachurches until his resignation in June 2024 amidst the allegations, was indicted by an Oklahoma grand jury in the same year. He is now mandated to register as a sex offender and will be monitored by Texas authorities under an interstate compact. Furthermore, he has been ordered to cover his incarceration costs and provide restitution to the victim.

Cindy Clemishire, the victim, issued a statement during Morris's sentencing, expressing relief that justice had been served and that the man who manipulated and abused her during her childhood was finally facing the consequences. Clemishire, who is now in her 50s, plans to continue seeking justice through civil courts for not only the crimes against her but for those who enabled Morris.

In a statement from Morris’ attorney, he expressed remorse, stating, “What I did to Cindy decades ago was wrong. There is no other word for it, and there is no excuse for it. I am deeply sorry.” Morris also stated he has been carrying the weight of his actions for a long time and is grateful that the Clemishires found the courage to come forward.

Gateway Church, which was established by Morris in 2000, has been politically active, previously hosting events for prominent political figures, including Donald Trump. The church has played a significant role in public discussions on various societal issues.

}