An Oklahoma Baptist pastor has been accused of sexually abusing his daughter, beginning in the sixth grade, and has texted his wife that he “should go straight to hell” when he dies.  

Bertheophilus Maurice Bailey, Sr. also known as “Judge,” was charged in Tulsa County District Court on Wednesday with two counts of first degree rape, child sexual abuse, incest, forcible sodomy and robbery.

The probable cause affidavit spells out a 14-item laundry list Bailey used to describe himself to his wife, including “felon,” “child molester,” “rapist,” ”unfaithful husband,” and “uncommitted father.”

Bailey’s text ends with him cursing himself saying, “ I am a f—— a—— who should go straight to hell when I die,” court documents show.  

He was removed from his position at the century-old St. Andrew Christian Church on Sept. 24, after leading the congregation since 2018. When contacted on Friday, a church receptionist said, “No comments at this time.”

Bailey’s accuser is his now adult daughter, who has gone public on social media and a Tulsa television station with her claims. As a result of that post, a second victim has come forward, Tulsa police reported.

In a Sept. 17 Facebook post, Harmony Bailey Oates writes:

“As a victim of sexual and mental abuse at the hands of my dad (Pastor Bailey) for over a decade, I feel compelled to warn others about his predatory behavior. Despite his status as a respected member of the community, it is essential to shed light on his actions to prevent further harm to unsuspecting individuals. For too long, I suffered in silence, afraid of the repercussions of speaking out against someone with such influence and power. However, I have come to realize that silence only perpetuates the cycle of abuse, and it is crucial to break free from the chains of fear and shame.”

A message left for Oates was not returned.

Oates first reported the allegation in 2023 but declined to press charges until now, an affidavit states.

In a recorded telephone phone call sent to the police by Harmony Oates’ mother, Oates confronts Bailey about the abuse, and Bailey begs Oates not to tell her husband saying, “the secret getting out would be a total catastrophe to the whole kingdom of God,” the affidavit states. “

In a series of text messages between Bailey and his wife, where she confronts Bailey about the alleged sexual abuse and his alleged lying, Bailey confesses to lying and saying, “He had planned on taking the secret to his grave.” 

In another text message Bailey says he “feels ashamed and humiliated from the exposure of the abuse.” After confessing his guilt, Bailey texts that “jumping from touching to sex is not a big deal for me,” court documents show.

The affidavit states Bailey admitted to watching pornography with his daughter saying, “seeds of sin grow” and acting out the scenes because that’s “what people do.”

Oates told police the alleged sexual abuse started when she was in sixth grade and her father would pray over her body and touching her inappropriately. Oats said the abuse eventually escalated to rape when she was 16 or 17 years old.

After Oats married and had a child, she accused Bailey of coming to her home and sexually assaulting her there and also peeping through her windows.

Bailey reportedly told a therapist in emails of the alleged crimes, who then reported it to authorities. The minister reportedly “he felt tricked and thought he was safe to disclose in therapy,” the affidavit states.

In a Facebook post dated Sept. 18, the extended Bailey family publicly supported Oates, as she and her family navigates through this “incredibly difficult time.” The post adds that the family hopes Bailey faces justice.

Bailey remains in the Tulsa County jail, held on a half-million bail, online court records show.

Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter, primarily covering crime issues for KSN/KODE.