The founder of a North Texas megachurch has been indicted on five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child by an Oklahoma grand jury. The abuse allegedly began in 1982 when the victim, identified as C.C., was 12 years old. The victim, Cindy Clemishire, came forward last year with her story of repeated molestation by the accused, who was a traveling preacher at the time. The indictment outlines similar instances of abuse in 1983 and 1985, escalating to removing her clothing and rubbing his body against hers in a parked car.
Clemishire expressed relief at the indictment, hoping for justice and accountability for her abuser. A Gateway Church spokesperson said they are grateful for the justice system holding abusers accountable, with Texas AG Gentner Drummond condemning the alleged actions of a pastor exploiting his position of trust.
The accused resigned from his position at the church in June when the allegations surfaced, and the church claims they were unaware of the victim’s age at the time of the abuse. In response to the scandal, some elders were let go and staff members who knew about the claims were prevented from becoming elders.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their position or status. Authorities, including the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, are working to bring justice for the victim and shed light on the alleged crimes committed by the founder of the megachurch.
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