"Today justice has finally been served, and the man who manipulated, groomed and abused me as a 12-year-old innocent girl is finally going to be behind bars. My hope is that many victims hear my story, and it can help lift their shame and allow them to speak up. I hope that laws continue to change and new ones are written so children and victims' rights are better protected. I hope that people understand the only way to stop child sexual abuse is to speak up when it happens or is suspected."
"Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a statement that this case "is all the more despicable because the perpetrator was a pastor who exploited his position of trust and authority" and the abuse survivor "has waited far too many years for this day.""
""sincerely apologizes""
Morris received a 10-year suspended sentence, with the first six months to be served in jail, for abuse that began in 1982 of a 12-year-old girl, Cindy Clemishere, while he was a traveling evangelist visiting the family in Hominy, Oklahoma. Clemishere described the sentencing as long-awaited justice and said she hopes sharing her story will lift shame and encourage other victims to speak up. Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the abuse as especially despicable because Morris was a pastor who exploited trust. Morris's lawyer said he "sincerely apologizes." Morris founded Gateway Church and previously served on an evangelical advisory board to President Trump.
Read at Axios
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