OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A former pastor of a Texas megachurch is anticipated to show himself into Oklahoma authorities Monday on youngster sexual abuse prices.
Robert Preston Morris, 63, is anticipated to give up to officers in Osage County, the place he was charged last week with 5 counts of lewd or indecent acts with a toddler, his lawyer, Mack Martin, advised The Related Press.
Martin declined to touch upon the costs in opposition to Morris, however mentioned he anticipated coming into a not responsible plea on Morris’ behalf.
Courtroom data present an Osage County choose set a $50,000 bond and ordered Morris to give up his passport to the native sheriff.
Morris resigned last year as pastor of Gateway Church within the Dallas suburb of Southlake after a girl accused him of sexually abusing her within the Eighties.
The alleged abuse began in 1982 when the sufferer, referred to within the indictment as C.C., was 12 years previous and Morris was a touring evangelist staying in Hominy, Oklahoma, together with her household, based on the lawyer basic’s workplace. The abuse allegedly continued for 4 years.
Cindy Clemishire, Morris’ accuser, mentioned in an announcement that she may be very grateful to the authorities who’ve labored to make the indictment attainable and is hopeful “justice will finally prevail.”
“After nearly 43 years, the regulation has lastly caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he dedicated in opposition to me as a toddler,” mentioned Clemishire, now 55. “Now, it’s time for the authorized system to carry him accountable.”
The AP usually doesn’t title individuals who say they’ve been sexually assaulted, however Clemishire mentioned she would really like her title included.
Morris was recognized to be politically active. The church hosted President Donald Trump on its Dallas campus in 2020 for a discussion on race relations and the economic system.
Morris might withstand 20 years in jail for every of the 5 prices, based on the lawyer basic’s workplace.
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