Former megachurch pastor Robert Morris has been released after surrendering over historic child abuse charges.
He was booked at Oklahoma County Jail on Monday before posting a $50,000 bond, according to jail records, and had to surrender his passport as part of the conditions of his release.
Morris, 63, who once led one of the largest churches in the United States, was indicted last week by the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child.
His first court appearance is scheduled for 9th May at 10am, according to the AG's office.
Mack Martin, Morris’ attorney, expects to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf, though he has not formally responded to the charges.
The indictment alleges the abuse began in 1982 when the female victim was twelve years old and Morris was a travelling evangelist staying with her family in Hominy, Oklahoma.
The abuse allegedly continued for four years.
Cindy Clemishire, the now-55-year-old woman who accuses Morris, expressed her gratitude for the authorities' work leading to the indictment.
“After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child,” Clemishire said in a statement. “Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable.”
Announcing the indictment last week, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond condemned the alleged actions, emphasising the violation of trust given Morris’s position as a pastor.
“There can be no tolerance for those who sexually prey on children,” Drummond said. “The victim in this case has waited far too many years for justice to be done.”
Drummond added that the statute of limitations was not applicable in the case because Morris was not a resident or inhabitant of Oklahoma at any time.
Gateway Church, which Morris founded in 2000, issued a statement expressing support for Clemishire and others affected by the situation.
“We are aware of the actions being taken by the legal authorities in Oklahoma and are grateful for the work of the justice system in holding abusers accountable,” the church said.
The charges carry potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison for each count.
