Dallas, Texas – A former spiritual adviser to President Donald Trump and founder of one of the nation’s largest megachurches, Robert Morris, has been indicted in Oklahoma for child sex crimes dating back to the 1980s. The allegations against Morris come after he resigned from Gateway Church in Southlake amid sexual abuse accusations last year.
The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office revealed that Morris faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child. This indictment follows claims made by Cindy Clemishire, who stated that Morris sexually assaulted her as a child while working as a traveling preacher in Oklahoma in the 1980s.
Clemishire, who came forward with her story nearly 43 years after the alleged abuse, expressed gratitude for the indictments and emphasized the importance of holding Morris accountable for his actions. Her disclosure added to a series of recent sex abuse scandals within the Dallas religious community, implicating several churches and pastors in the area.
Morris, known for his involvement in state and national politics, had a prominent role in opposing the so-called “Bathroom Bill” in 2017 and served on Trump’s evangelical advisory board during the 2016 presidential campaign. As his influence in political circles grew, so did his church’s local footprint, with Gateway Church actively engaging in local elections through various means.
The allegations against Morris prompted calls for his resignation from Republican lawmakers like Rep. Nate Schatzline and Rep. Jeff Leach, who vowed to pursue legislation to grant more rights to victims of childhood sexual abuse. Proposed bills seek to extend the time period for victims to file lawsuits against their abusers or enablers and provide compensation for the long-term costs associated with childhood abuse.
Among the proposed reforms are measures to broaden civil statutes of limitation, allowing individuals like Clemishire to seek justice and recover damages. Clemishire’s attorney, Boz Tchividjian, affirmed her commitment to advocating for these reforms, signaling a potential shift in how the legal system addresses cases of childhood sexual abuse.