Robert Morris, founder of Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, has been indicted on five counts of lewd acts with a child, as announced by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office.

The church has faced scrutiny for its past handling of abuse allegations and has dismissed leaders who were complicit or negligent.

The indictment was officially announced on March 12, 2025, and arrangements for Morris' surrender were being coordinated.

The alleged abuse took place between 1982 and 1986, starting when the victim, identified as Cindy Clemishire, was just 12 years old.

Drummond expressed hope that Morris' indictment would encourage other victims to come forward, reinforcing the importance of seeking justice for past abuse.

Morris, who was a traveling evangelist at the time, reportedly became close to Clemishire's family before the abuse began.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the alleged actions, emphasizing the exploitation of Morris' position as a pastor and the need for accountability.

Following the allegations, Morris resigned from Gateway Church in June 2024 after admitting to inappropriate sexual behavior with a minor.

Gateway Church has expressed support for Clemishire and is conducting an internal investigation into its handling of the allegations against Morris.

If convicted, Morris could face up to 20 years in prison for each of the five charges, but he was not in custody at the time of the indictment.

Drummond revived the case using a unique interpretation of an archaic state law that allows for tolling the statute of limitations when a perpetrator flees the state.

Clemishire, now 55, stated that it is time for the legal system to hold Morris accountable for the crimes committed against her as a child.