Robert Morris, Trump Adviser and Megachurch Founder, Pleads Guilty to Child Sex Abuse
Robert Morris, a spiritual adviser to Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to child sex abuse from the 1980s, receiving six months in jail and probation. Victim Cindy Clemishire hopes her story inspires others.
Overview
Robert Morris, founder of a Texas megachurch and spiritual adviser to Donald Trump, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of child sexual abuse that occurred from 1982-1987.
The victim, Cindy Clemishire, publicly identified herself and was 12 years old when the abuse began, continuing for several years. She was present during Morris's plea.
Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence, serving six months in jail. He will then serve nine and a half years of probation and must register as a sex offender.
The scandal involving Morris, known for mobilizing evangelical voters, caused significant uproar within Gateway Church and the broader Christian community.
Cindy Clemishire expressed that justice has been served and hopes her decision to speak out will encourage and inspire other sexual abuse survivors to come forward.
Analysis
Sources (12)
FAQ
Robert Morris is the founder and former senior pastor of Gateway Church, a Texas megachurch. He was also a spiritual adviser to Donald Trump and a televangelist before resigning in 2024 amid sexual abuse accusations.
Robert Morris pleaded guilty to five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, related to sexual abuse that occurred from 1982 to 1987. He received a 10-year suspended sentence, with six months in jail, followed by nine and a half years of probation, and he must register as a sex offender.
The victim is Cindy Clemishire, who was 12 years old when the abuse began. She publicly identified herself, was present during Morris's plea, and expressed that justice has been served. She hopes her story encourages other survivors to come forward.
Morris's scandal caused significant uproar within Gateway Church and the broader Christian evangelical community, given his influential role in mobilizing evangelical voters and leading a large megachurch.
The allegations surfaced publicly when Cindy Clemishire, the victim, accused Morris of sexual abuse dating back to the 1980s. Morris resigned from Gateway Church in 2024 following the accusations and was indicted in March 2025 before pleading guilty in October 2025.
History
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