Former Latter-day Saint Bishop Charged with Molesting Boys in Livermore Released on $920,000 Bail

Michael Delar Morris, 76, a former Latter-day Saint bishop in Livermore, has been released from jail after posting $920,000 bail. He faces 18 felony charges of sexually abusing four boys between the early 1990s and 2000. The allegations include lewd acts on a child, sexual penetration with a foreign object, and oral copulation of a child. Morris was arrested last month at his Utah home, following an investigation that began in July 2025 when the first of five alleged victims came forward.

The charges allege that Morris led a young men’s group through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Livermore during the time the abuse is said to have occurred. Court records indicate that the alleged abuse took place at Morris’s home, the childhood homes of the victims, his vehicle, and the church on Hillcrest Avenue in Livermore. Prosecutors claim the abuse occurred on “frequent” occasions, with some incidents spanning multiple months to about a year. One of the alleged victims reported that Morris would meet with him one-on-one in his church office or during car rides.

Morris was ordered to stay away from minors, surrender his passport, and avoid contact with the accusers. His bail was posted May 28 through a bail bonds company, eight days after the charges were filed. Judge Diane Meier denied a defense motion to release Morris without requiring him to post a bond. The court records list the locations where the alleged abuse occurred, including the church where Morris served as a bishop.

Each of the 18 charges includes a broad offense date range, reflecting the extended period during which the abuse is alleged to have taken place. Prosecutors also allege that Morris gave sex toys to at least one of the victims. Morris pleaded not guilty on June 10 and is scheduled to return to court on August 6. The case highlights the importance of accountability and justice, as emphasized in Proverbs 31:8-9, which calls for advocating for the vulnerable and ensuring their rights are upheld.

The legal proceedings underscore the need for vigilance in protecting minors and holding individuals accountable for their actions. As Ephesians 5:11 reminds us, we should not participate in unrighteousness but instead expose it. The case serves as a reminder of the responsibility of church leaders to uphold the values of care, mercy, and justice that are foundational to the Christian faith.

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