Pastor accused of assaulting family member since she was 7-year-old, impregnating her, sentenced to 40 years in prison

HOUSTON – A former Houston-area pastor and bishop was sentenced to 40 years in prison earlier this month after repeatedly sexually assaulting his underage family member and fathering a child with her when she was 14 years old.

In 2023, 42-year-old Robert L. Carter was charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child between the ages of 14 and 17.

• Trial coming for Houston pastor accused of raping, impregnating young family member

According to court documents, Carter started abusing the child when she was 7 years old in 2008 and continued through her late teens, having sexual relations with her more than 600 times.

Court documents allege that Carter would go into the child’s room and make her perform sexual acts on him on a nightly basis. The abuse allegedly got worse over the years and would happen at multiple locations, including in their home, Carter’s grandmother’s home, and even behind an H-E-B parking lot.

Court documents also say Carter would bring the child to the Greater Bible Way Church in Sunnyside, where he had an office, and rape her.

• Houston area pastor arrested after allegedly raping underage family member over 600 times, impregnating her

When the girl turned 16, she said she had Carter’s baby in a closet, and then Carter dropped the baby off at a fire station.

Court documents show Carter filed an appeal on his sentencing on Oct. 16.

Do you know someone in need of help? KPRC 2 released the following features in “Breaking Free.”

• Breaking Free: The state of domestic violence in Texas
• Breaking Free - What is emotional and psychological abuse?
• Breaking Free: Helping African Americans de-stigmatize abuse, learn to ask the right questions
• Breaking Free: The red flags of an abusive relationship and tips on how to leave
• Breaking Free from Domestic Violence: Far too many cases to count in Harris County
• Breaking Free: Ways loved ones can support domestic violence victims
• Breaking Free: 3 women die in same week after jumping, exiting moving vehicles during possible domestic disturbances
• Do you need help? Free Domestic Violence Resources

Help is also available immediately if you need it through the following numbers:

• Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.