Ex-megachurch founder hit with $1M lawsuit claiming sexual abuse and elaborate cover-up scheme

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A former Texas megachurch pastor is being sued by a woman who claims he sexually assaulted and abused her when she was 12 years old.

The lawsuit, initiated this week in Dallas County District Court, alleges that Gateway Church founder Robert Morris, among others, is responsible for libel, malice, defamation, slander, failing to report, civil conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and unjust enrichment.

They are seeking more than $1 million in damages.

Texas-Megachurch-Pastor-Accused

Pastor Robert Morris applauds during a roundtable discussion at Gateway Church Dallas Campus, Thursday, Jun. 11, 2020, in Dallas. A statement issued on Tuesday, Jun. 18, 2024, said that Morris resigned after a woman said he had abused her on multiple occasions in the 1980s, beginning when she was 12.  (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

“[The] defendants acted in concert, cooperated with each other and conspired to maximize their profits through their unlawful and unjust course of action to fraudulently conceal and cover up the rape of Plaintiff,” according to court documents.

Morris resigned in June 2024 and later filed a lawsuit against the church, stating his “highly inappropriate” relationship with a minor was not a breach of contract, and Gateway Church should fulfill its contractual financial obligations to him.

Church officials said he would have received millions in deferred compensation, additional retirement benefits and a severance payment, according to the report.

Gateway Church declined Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

You May Also Like
11 suspected illegal immigrants among 15 arrested in $1.4M benefits fraud crackdown in Massachusetts, DOJ says

Massachusetts Benefits Fraud Bust: 15 Arrested, Including 11 Suspected Illegal Immigrants, in $1.4M DOJ Crackdown

Federal authorities brought a nationwide welfare fraud crackdown to Massachusetts this week,…
Austin Metcalf’s dad supported Karmelo Anthony judge’s hard line on cameras

Jeff Metcalf Breaks His Silence on Son Austin’s Death—How His Family Is Finding Strength and Moving Forward

FRISCO, Texas — Jeff Metcalf, whose son Austin Metcalf was killed in…
6-year-old stung by invasive clinging jellyfish in New Jersey's Metedeconk River

6-Year-Old Stung by Invasive Clinging Jellyfish in New Jersey River

BRICK, N.J. — A 6-year-old girl is recovering after a painful run-in…
Former child actor Daveigh Chase, voice of Lilo from 'Lilo & Stitch' and "The Ring' villain, dies at 35

Daveigh Chase, Voice of Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’ and Star of ‘The Ring,’ Dies at 35

LOS ANGELES — Daveigh Chase, the former child actor best known as…
Lansing news: Former employee Devon Johnson charged in deadly shooting of Andrew Coleman at Nippon Paint Automotive Americas

Lansing: Former Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Employee Devon Johnson Charged in Fatal Shooting of Andrew Coleman

LANSING, Ill. (WLS) — A former employee has been charged with murder…
Chicago crime: Suspect Merlin Lu, 21, charged with hate crime, arson for burning cross in Grant Park, police say

Chicago Police Charge 21-Year-Old Merlin Lu With Hate Crime, Arson After Cross Burning in Grant Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — A 21-year-old Chicago man is facing a series of…
LaGuardia shuts down runway for second time in weeks after pavement issue resurfaces

LaGuardia Closes Runway Again as Recurring Pavement Problem Disrupts Flights

Sinkhole at LaGuardia Airport forces runway shutdown amidst busy holiday travel A…
Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann kept 'Dexter'-style kill room but wasn't as smart as he thought: DA

DA: Rex Heuermann’s Alleged Gilgo Beach ‘Dexter’-Style Kill Room Reveals Major Investigative Mistakes

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Rex Heuermann, who will spend the rest of his…
Guards at 'Alligator Alcatraz' beat, pepper-sprayed detainees, lawyer says

DHS Evacuates All Detainees From ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ as Hurricane Threat Forces Emergency Move

All detainees housed at “Alligator Alcatraz,” a migrant detention center in the…
South Carolina personal trainer goes missing, last spotted walking toward wooded area

SLED Joins Investigation After Body Found Matches Description of Missing South Carolina Personal Trainer

South Carolina’s lead investigative agency, the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), joined…
Streator, Illinois City Council approves emergency declaration as tornado recovery continues

Streator City Council Approves Emergency Declaration as Tornado Recovery Efforts Continue

Streator city leaders have unanimously approved an emergency declaration as the community…
Evanston's Juneteenth parade to honor legacy of Opal Lee with granddaughter, Dione Sims, as grand marshal

Evanston’s Juneteenth Parade to Honor Opal Lee’s Legacy, with Granddaughter Dione Sims Named Grand Marshal

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Evanston’s yearly Juneteenth parade is set to start…