Oklahoma Mega-church Pastor Robert Morris Indicted on Child Sexual Abuse Charges
Former Texas megachurch pastor Robert Morris, 63, indictments on charges of child sexual abuse after a 43-year wait for justice.
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The Guardian·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Morris was indicted last week by Oklahoma’s multi-county grand jury, an investigative body that meets in secret and is guided by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office.
Things to know about the former megachurch pastor charged with child sexual abuse
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Still, the bulk of death investigations by law enforcement and autopsy reports by medical investigators are typically considered public records under state law in the spirit of ensuring government transparency and accountability.
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Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, offered prayers to congregants and reminded them on Sunday that the church had drawn a "bright line" of separation from founder Robert Morris following his indictment last Wednesday on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child by a multi-county grand jury in Oklahoma.
Gateway Church offers prayers to members after indictment of Robert Morris for child sex crimes
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Summary
An Oklahoma court has indicted Robert Morris, a former Texas megachurch pastor, on five counts of child sexual abuse stemming from allegations made by Cindy Clemishire, who claims the abuse began when she was 12 years old. Morris surrendered to authorities on March 18, 2025, following the indictment, which emerged from a multi-county grand jury investigation. Morris, who resigned from Gateway Church last year upon Clemishire's public accusations, faces up to 20 years imprisonment per charge. The Oklahoma Attorney General emphasized the gravity of the allegations, highlighting the responsibility of figures in positions of trust.
Perspectives
A New Mexico court has temporarily restrained the release of records related to actor Gene Hackman and his wife's deaths to protect the family's privacy under the 14th Amendment.
The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have sparked discussions about the balance between public access to records and individual privacy in sensitive cases.
The ruling emphasizes the complexities surrounding open records laws, particularly concerning personal and medical information.
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