OK Pastor Arrested for Abusing Daughter
Daughter of Bertheophilus Maurice Bailey says her father sexually abused her over several years
An Oklahoma pastor has been arrested and faces multiple charges related to the alleged abuse of his own daughter.
Bertheophilus Maurice Bailey
Bertheophilus Maurice “Judge” Bailey Sr., 45, recently resigned as pastor of St. Andrew Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Tulsa Police along with its Special Victims Unit obtained a warrant to arrest Bailey last week and was booked with the following charges: first degree rape, child sex abuse, incest, forcible sodomy and first degree burglary.
Bailey remains in jail on a $500,000 bond.
According to police, they were first tipped off last year. “In August of 2023, a report was filed with DHS and Tulsa Police about Bailey sexually abusing a family member. During our investigation with the victim, she was not yet ready to move forward with prosecuting the suspect.”
That changed this month. “In September of this year, the victim reached out to our Special Victims Unit Detective and was ready to move ahead with the case and pressing charges,” they said.
Bailey is accused of abusing his daughter Harmony Bailey Oates, starting when she was in 6th grade and continuing until she moved out. Even then, police detail an instance where Oates says Bailey broke into her residence and assaulted her.
Oates posted a lengthy Facebook post detailing why she went public with her accusations.
“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,” Oates said. “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.”
She continued, “In speaking out against Pastor Bailey and others like him, we send a clear message that their actions will not be tolerated or excused. It is time to hold perpetrators accountable and to create a safer and more supportive environment for survivors to come forward and seek justice.”
Tulsa Police said another victim has come forward and their investigation into Bailey is moving forward.
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