Washington: Robert Morris, a religious advisor to US President Donald Trump during his first term, has been released after serving a six-month prison sentence for sexually abusing a minor. Morris, a former megachurch pastor and renowned televangelist, was convicted of abusing a 12-year-old girl in the 1980s.
Robert Morris has been recognized as one of Trump’s closest spiritual allies. In 2016, he was included on Trump’s Evangelical Executive Advisory Board and hosted Trump at his Gateway Church in Texas in 2020. However, his past has left a deep stain on his career and reputation. During court proceedings, it emerged that while Morris was working as an evangelist, he sexually abused a 12-year-old girl for five years. The victim told the court that the abuse began on Christmas Day and continued for years, and that Morris even threatened her to keep quiet.
During the hearing, Morris admitted to mistreating the girl and touching her inappropriately several times, though he denied sexual contact. The court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, which was later suspended. He was recently released after serving six months in prison. Following his release, the victim expressed satisfaction, saying she had finally received justice. Following his release, Morris publicly apologized, stating that what he had done decades ago was completely wrong and could not be excused. He expressed gratitude to the victim and her family for having the courage to reveal the truth. Following the scandal, Morris also resigned as pastor of his church.
