Cult Leader Tony Alamo Sentenced for Sex Crimes
Alamo Sentenced to 175 Years After Being Convicted on 10 Counts of Sex Crimes
Tony Alamo, born Bernie Hoffman, and his late wife Susan founded the questionably Christian cult, known as Tony Alamo Christian Ministries. They had a regularly syndicated TV program during the 1970's where the sermons were given by Susan. After Susan died of cancer in 1982, Tony Alamo displayed her body in their compound for 6 months so that the Alamo Ministries followers could pray for her. According to CNN, her body was given back to her family after sixteen years.
Followers of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries regularly left pamphlets of Alamo's writings on car windshields. Alamo regularly condemned Catholicism and the Pope as well as writing about many perceived satanic conspiracy theories.
Terry Purvis, mayor of Fouke, Arkansas notified the FBI that his office had been receiving complaints of child abuse and sexual abuse perpetrated by Tony Alamo. Federal agents raided Alamo's Arkansas headquarters in September, 2008. Several days later, Alamo was arrested by FBI agents in Arizona on charges that he transported minors over state lines for sexual activity in violation of the Mann Act. Tony Alamo plead not guilty in October, 2008
Eventually, Alamo was charged on 10 counts of taking minors across state lines for sex. Throughout his trial, Alamo claimed his victims were lying. On July 24, 2009, Alamo was found guilty on all ten counts.
Before the sentence was handed down Friday, three of his child brides testified. One woman who had been taken as Alamo's child bride at the young age of 8 had much to say when confronting Alamo. "You preyed on innocent children. You have the audacity to ask for mercy. What mercy did you show us?"
Another victim was quoted as saying, "Maybe the real God, not the God you made up, will have mercy on your soul."
U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes said before delivering his sentence, "Mr. Alamo, one day you will face a higher and greater judge than me, may he have mercy on your soul."
Tony Alamo will face another hearing in January to determine whether he should pay restitution to his victims.
Sources:
Published by Rebecca Caroll
Rebecca is a person passionate about life! She is a ardent supporter of adoption and an advocate for children with Special Needs. Outspoken on all things political, she always enjoys robust debate. Her fai... View profile
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36 Comments
Post a CommentReligion is often a cover for very despicable things. What a sad story indeed.
I wouldn't call these children "weak women".
What a sad story. It seems there's a pedophile on every corner. And to use religion leaves me without words.
Some people think they can get away with anything in the name of religion.
Right on, Vince!
Religions are often used by Satan to distract from the Bible's message. Kind of like hiding a diamond by covering it with a mountain of rhinestones. Sex is one of his biggest tools, also. It's what caused some of the angels to fall. The Bible also indicated falsely-religious men would mislead weak women.- 2 Timothy 3:6.
Unbelievable that people can get caught up in this stuff...but they do.
Good, now all we have to do is get those people LDS people.
What an articulate sentence. Wouldn't want to be that guy going through the pearly gates.
Another sickening situation - heart goes out to the victims of this sick person - great reporting!