Former LDS Bishop Charged with Sexual Assault of Four Boys Between 1991 and 2000

A former bishop at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation in Livermore is facing multiple felony charges accusing him of sexually assaulting boys over the course of a decade.

Michael Delar Morris, 76, led a young men’s group at the Livermore church and also served as a Boy Scout leader. Prosecutors say the allegations involve multiple victims and date back to the 1990s and early 2000s.

Morris has been charged with 18 felony counts of sexual assault and lewd acts with children involving four alleged victims. Authorities say the alleged abuse occurred between 1991 and 2000 in Livermore, including at the church, his home, a vehicle and the childhood homes of at least two victims.

One survivor told KTVU on Thursday, “He’s created a lot of harm in my life, and the lives of others. There are many victims.” The coping, he said, comes along with knowing that they are now seeing some justice take place.

He described Morris as someone who could act one way in one situation and act a very different way in a different situation, using that to perpetrate. An attorney for Morris declined to comment.

“It’s been frustrating to know that he’s been able to navigate a system, a community in secret – and get away with it,” the survivor said. He says he wants to bring this case into the light to help bring about accountability.

“We’re also hoping that by telling our story, this will help out for future generations,” he said. “This is the shot across the bow. We’re not going away. We’re here. We’re standing up.”

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