Robert Morris, the 64-year-old founder of Gateway Church, was handcuffed and taken into custody Thursday after pleading guilty to child sexual abuse.

Morris entered guilty pleas in Osage County District Court to five felony counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, according to NBC News. The Texas megachurch pastor received a 10-year sentence but will serve only six months in county jail as part of his plea agreement.

Morris must register as a sex offender and pay $250,000 in restitution to his victim. The abuse occurred from 1982 to 1985 when Morris was a traveling evangelist in his early 20s.

Victim Confronts Pastor in Court

Cindy Clemishire, the victim, directly addressed Morris during the court proceedings about the abuse that began when she was 12 years old. She told Morris that the abuse started on Christmas night in 1982, when he sometimes stayed with her family in Oklahoma.

"Let me be clear. There is no such thing as consent from a 12-year-old child," Clemishire said to Morris in court. "We were never in an 'inappropriate relationship.' I was not a 'young lady' but a child. You committed a crime against me."

Clemishire's sister, Karen Black, also addressed Morris during the hearing, telling him he had hidden behind a religious facade. "You pretended to be holy, preaching from big pulpits. As you hid behind your facade, we've known you are nothing but a predator," Black said.

Timeline of Disclosure and Investigation

Clemishire kept the abuse secret until 1987, when she told her parents and church leaders about Morris's actions. Morris underwent what was described as a "restoration process" in the late 1980s before returning to ministry.

In the mid-2000s, Clemishire sought restitution from Morris, but negotiations failed due to demands for nondisclosure agreements. The victim's public accusations in 2024 led to Morris's resignation from Gateway Church in June of that year.

The Oklahoma attorney general's office opened an investigation following Morris's resignation from his leadership position. A multicounty grand jury subsequently indicted Morris in March 2025 on the felony charges.

Legal Proceedings and Church Response

Morris initially pleaded not guilty in May 2025 and was released on bond pending trial. Plea negotiations eventually led to his change of plea and guilty admission on Thursday.

Gateway Church conducted an internal investigation that resulted in the removal of four elders who knew about the allegations but failed to act appropriately. The church's investigation revealed institutional failures in addressing the abuse allegations when they first surfaced.

Morris filed a lawsuit against Gateway Church earlier in 2025 seeking retirement benefits, and that legal action remains pending. The church has faced scrutiny for its handling of the abuse allegations and the leadership's response to the crisis.

Why This Story Matters

This case illustrates how institutional silence can enable prolonged harm and delay justice for survivors. It shows the power of truth when survivors share their stories, even decades later. Communities must learn from this and foster cultures that protect the vulnerable rather than shield abusers.

Final Reflections on Morris' Admission

Robert Morris’ guilty plea concludes more than 40 years of unresolved trauma for Cindy Clemishire, who first endured abuse in her home as a child. Her decision to speak out in 2024 reignited legal interest in the case and contributed to wider conversations about misconduct in religious organizations.

Morris's admission in court affirms the truth of her account and brings a measure of accountability, though the emotional scars remain. His sentence, while short, cements his status as a registered sex offender for life. Advocacy groups are using the case to push for broader reforms in statute limitations and institutional reform. Clemishire, her family, and the many others affected by similar experiences say they view the event as a turning point—and a call for vigilance and justice.