Dallas, Texas – A former pastor of a Texas megachurch, who resigned amid allegations of sexual abuse in the 1980s, has been indicted in Oklahoma on child sexual abuse charges, announced the state’s attorney general’s office on Wednesday.

Robert Preston Morris, 63, faces five counts of lewd or indecent acts with a child, according to the indictment. The alleged abuse took place in 1982 when the victim, identified as C.C., was 12 years old and Morris was a visiting evangelist staying in Hominy, Oklahoma with her family. The abuse reportedly continued for four years.

In response to the indictment, Cindy Clemishire, the accuser, expressed gratitude towards the authorities involved and voiced hope for justice to prevail. Clemishire, now 55, stated, “After almost 43 years, the law has finally caught up with Robert Morris for the horrific crimes he committed against me as a child. Now, it is time for the legal system to hold him accountable.”

The Attorney General of Oklahoma, Gentner Drummond, condemned Morris’ actions, emphasizing the need to hold individuals who prey on children accountable for their crimes. He noted the particular despicability of the case given Morris’ position as a pastor who exploited his authority. The victim, according to Drummond, has waited too long for justice.

Morris, who founded the Gateway Church in the Dallas suburb of Southlake in 2000, resigned from the church last year following allegations reported on a religious watchdog blog. The church, in a statement, expressed solidarity with Clemishire and all affected by the situation, acknowledging the actions being taken by legal authorities in Oklahoma.

Clemishire detailed her encounter with Morris, a traveling preacher, in 1981 when he began preaching at her family’s church in Oklahoma. She recounted how Morris and his family grew close to hers, with the abuse commencing while he was staying at her house in 1982.

The Gateway Church, recognized for its large following, hosted notable figures like President Donald Trump for discussions on various topics. Morris, known for his political activism, faces a potential 20 years in prison for each of the five charges. As of Wednesday, he was not in custody.