On Friday, May 9, Gateway Church founder Robert Morris appeared in an Oklahoma courtroom for the first time after being indicted by a grand jury on March 12.
Morris voluntarily surrendered to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office on March 17 following sexual abuse charges related to a decades-old case involving Cindy Clemishire. Morris was 21 at the time of the alleged abuse, and Clemishire was 12. The grand jury charged Morris with five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child.
After these allegations first came to light in June 2024, Morris resigned as senior pastor of Gateway, a megachurch in the Fort Worth area of Texas.
Videos showed a smiling Morris entering the courthouse with his wife, Debbie, and members of his legal team. Morris had already entered a plea of not guilty before Friday’s hearing. In the past, Morris had described what is now known as his alleged sexual abuse of Clemishire as “inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady.”
According to reports, Morris’ appearance before the Pawhuska, Oklahoma, judge didn’t last long. Morris’ next court date is slated for Sept. 4.
Accompanied by her parents, sister, niece, and friends, Clemishire was also present in the courtroom.
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Oklahoma’s statute of limitations does not apply to Morris, because he wasn’t a resident of the state at the time of the alleged crimes.
In a previous statement, Clemishire said, “After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable.”
“My family and I are deeply grateful to the authorities who have worked tirelessly to make this day possible and remain hopeful that justice will ultimately prevail,” Clemishire added.
If convicted on all five felony charges, Morris could face up to 100 years in prison.
