Richard Roberts Gets Probation

by Steve Eastman, Faith Issues

The 63 year-old son of Oral Roberts got off easy today.  He pled guilty to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence and to driving 26 to 30 miles above the speed limit.

Under the plea agreement, Roberts will not have a conviction, provided he successfully completes 18 months of probation.  That shouldn’t be too hard since his probation involves no formal supervision.  

There’s also no jail time, but the televangelist is required to attend a DUI school and perform community service.  

Roberts was arrested in January after Trooper Jacob Smith clocked him at 93 miles an hour in a 65 mile an hour zone.  It happened just after midnight, near Tulsa.  The officer reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol, which was confirmed by Roberts blowing .11 on a breathalyzer test.  Oklahopma’s legal limit is .8.

The televangelist had originally said he was innocent, but had a change of heart in time for the plea agreement.

Roberts was president of Oral Roberts University from 1985 to 2007, when he stepped down amid cries for his resignation.  At issue were allegations of improper use of university and ministry money. ORU requires faculty and students to sign a pledge not to drink alcohol.

Roberts and his wife Lindsay host a nationwide TV program, “The Place for Miracles, Your Hour of Healing.”

© 2012 Faith Issues