Oklahoma Baptist pastor is accused of sexually abusing his daughter

An Oklahoma Baptist pastor has been accused of sexually abusing his daughter starting in sixth grade and has written to his wife telling him to “go straight to hell” after his death.

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

The probable cause affidavit includes a 14-point list Bailey used to his wife to describe himself, including “thug,” “child molester,” “rapist,” “unfaithful husband” and “non-committal father.”

Bailey's text ends with him cursing himself and saying, “I'm a man 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 September 24 after leading the congregation since 2018. When contacted Friday, a receptionist at the church said, “There are no comments at this time.”

Bailey's accuser is his now-adult daughter, who has gone public with her allegations on social media and on a Tulsa television station. In response to this post, a second victim came forward, Tulsa police reported.

In a September 17 Facebook post, Harmony Bailey Oates writes:

“As a victim of sexual and psychological abuse at the hands of my father (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 important to shed light on his actions to prevent further harm to unsuspecting individuals. For too long I have suffered in silence, fearful of the consequences of speaking out against someone with so much 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 shackles of fear and shame.”

A message left for Oates was not returned.

Oates first reported the allegation in 2023 but has so far refused to press charges, an affidavit said.

In a recorded phone call sent to police by Harmony Oates' mother, Oates confronts Bailey about the abuse, and Bailey begs Oates not to tell her husband, saying, “Getting the secret out would be a complete disaster for him.” entire Kingdom of God,” the affidavit states. “

In a series of text messages between Bailey and his wife in which she confronts Bailey about the alleged sexual abuse and his alleged lies, Bailey admits to the lie and says, “He had planned to take the secret to the grave.”

In another text message, Bailey says he feels “ashamed and humiliated by the revelation of the abuse.” After admitting his guilt, Bailey wrote that “making the leap from touching to sex is no big deal to me,” according to court documents.

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

Oates told police that the alleged sexual abuse began when she was in sixth grade and her father prayed over her body and touched 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, sexually abusing her and also peeping through her windows.

Bailey reportedly told a therapist about the alleged crimes in emails, who then reported them to authorities. The affidavit states: “The priest felt betrayed and believed he could disclose it in therapy.”

In a September 18 Facebook post, the extended Bailey family publicly supported Oates as she and her family navigate this “incredibly difficult time.” The post adds that the family hopes justice is served for Bailey.

Bailey remains in the Tulsa County Jail and is being held on half-mil bail, online court records show.

Sheila Stogsdill is a freelance print journalist and digital reporter who primarily covers crime for KSN/KODE.