In a significant legal development, Robert Preston Morris, 64, the founder of Gateway Church in Texas, was released from an Oklahoma jail this week after serving a six-month sentence for sexually abusing a child in the 1980s. Morris pleaded guilty to five counts of lewd acts as part of a plea deal, receiving a ten-year suspended sentence with a mandate to serve the first six months in jail. The abuse reportedly began in 1982 when Morris was a traveling evangelist and involved a victim who was only twelve years old at the time.

Once a prominent figure leading one of the largest megachurches in the nation, Morris resigned in June 2024 amid the allegations. As part of his sentencing, he is now mandated to register as a sex offender and will be supervised by Texas authorities for the remainder of his probation.

The victim, identified as Cindy Clemishire, has expressed satisfaction with the legal outcome, emphasizing the importance of accountability for not only Morris but also for others who may have enabled his behavior. Her attorney noted their intent to continue pursuing justice through civil courts.

Morris publicly apologized, stating he had carried the burden of guilt for decades and appreciated the courage of the Clemishire family in coming forward. Gateway Church, founded in 2000, has had substantial influence and political engagement, even hosting former President Trump at its campus during his administration.