Robert Morris, the Texas megachurch pastor and founder who resigned last year, has pleaded guilty to multiple child sexual abuse charges stemming from incidents in the 1980s in Oklahoma. Morris, 64, admitted to five counts of lewd and indecent acts with a child before a judge in Osage County, Oklahoma, as part of a plea deal.
Details of the Abuse and Legal Proceedings
The abuse began in 1982 when the victim was just 12 years old. At the time, Morris was a traveling evangelist staying with the victim’s family in Hominy, Oklahoma. The victim later came forward with allegations that ultimately led to Morris’s resignation from his leadership role at the Texas megachurch. The Oklahoma attorney general’s office confirmed the charges and the plea agreement, which Morris accepted in court.
Impact and Response
Morris’s guilty plea marks a significant development in a case that has drawn national attention due to his high-profile position within a major religious organization. His resignation last year came shortly after the allegations became public. The case underscores ongoing concerns about accountability and abuse within religious institutions. Morris was released on bond shortly after being booked into jail, reflecting standard procedure pending sentencing.