A former Tulsa minister has pleaded no contest to allegations he sexually abused his daughter.
On Jan. 22, Bertheophilus Maurice Bailey, Sr., also known as “Judge,” pleaded to charges of first-degree rape, child sexual abuse, incest and forcible sodomy.
A no-contest plea means the defendant acknowledges sufficient evidence exists for conviction, and the judge enters a guilty ruling.
Bailey’s now-adult daughter has publicly identified herself as his victim on social platforms, as previously reported by The Roys Report (TRR).
In a Jan. 22 Facebook post, Harmony Bailey Oates wrote:
Your tax-deductible gift supports our mission of reporting the truth and restoring the church. Donate $50 or more to The Roys Report this month, and you can elect to receive “Primal Fire: Reigniting the Church with the Five Gifts of Jesus” by Neil Cole, click here.
“Finally Got justice 🥹🤍
“I am not ashamed to say I am the victim I am his daughter but I got justice … God has his hands on me and is not done with me yet!!! I’m so grateful for everyone would (sic) stood by me through this whole journey!!!”
Oates told police the abuse began when she was in sixth grade. She said it initially involving inappropriate touching during prayers. It escalated to rape when she was 16 or 17.
After marrying and having a child, Oates accused Bailey of coming to her home to sexually assault her and peep through her windows.
In text messages to his wife, Bailey confessed to the sexual abuse of his daughter but said he intended “to take the secret to his grave.”
Bailey described himself to his wife with terms like “felon,” “child molester,” “rapist,” “unfaithful husband,” and “uncommitted father,” and said he deserved to go to hell, according to court documents.
Trial was set for Feb. 27. But after being notified that he would be required to serve 85% of any sentence if convicted, Bailey waived his right to a jury trial and pleaded no contest.
Bailey, who had served as pastor at Tulsa’s St. Andrew Christian Church since 2018, stepped down on Sept. 24, 2024, the day before criminal charges were filed against him. According to the church’s website, the congregation does not currently have a minister.
Bailey is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 17. He is facing a possible life sentence.
Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter, primarily covering crime issues for KSN/KODE.
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