November 14, 2009
Self-Anointed Evangelist Tony Alamo Gets 175 Years For Sex Convictions
TEXARKANA, AR -- A federal judge sentenced self-anointed "evangelist" Tony Alamo to 175 years in prison Friday following his conviction in July of 10 counts of taking underage girls across state lines for sex (See News Clip). U.S. District Judge Harry Barnes imposed the maximum sentence after three women who Alamo took as child “brides” testified at Alamo’s sentencing hearing about the damage the convicted evangelist did to them and their families. Barnes indicated he took into account Alamo’s role as pastor and father figure to control the young girls. He told Alamo that he will one day face “a greater judge,” and said “may (God) have mercy on your soul.”Click Here For The Full Story......
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Tony Alamo Sentenced To 175 Years In Prison (See News Clip)
Texarkana, AR -- Self-anointed evangelist Tony Alamo has been sentenced to 175 years in federal prison for child sex convictions. Alamo was sentenced Friday in Texarkana for convictions on a 10-count indictment for taking children across state lines for sex. U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes listened to testimony from three of Alamo's child "brides" before giving Alamo the maximum time allowed by federal guidelines. He told Alamo that he will one day face "a greater judge," and said "may (God) have mercy on your soul."
Child 'Brides' Testify At Evangelist's Sentencing
TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Three women who Tony Alamo took as child "brides" have testified at Alamo's sentencing hearing about the damage the convicted evangelist did to them and their families. Alamo was before a federal judge Friday to be sentenced on convictions for taking young girls across state lines. The leader of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries has been in federal custody since he was caught after a raid on his compound in Fouke in 2008. Testimony is to continue, and Alamo indicated he may take the stand.
Two Former Alamo Followers Awarded $3 Million In Judgement For Abuse
TEXARKANA, Ark. -- A federal judge awarded a total of $3 million to two former Tony Alamo followers in a civil suit against fugitive John Kolbek following a hearing this morning. “The damage it has caused emotionally, physically, spiritually, is almost beyond my comprehension,” said U.S. District Judge Harry Barnes after listening to testimony from Spencer Ondrisek, a foster mother and Texarkana attorney David Carter. “I don’t think there’s enough money in this world that will wash away the emotional harm this has caused.” Ondrisek and Seth Calagna, both 19-year-old men who were raised in the Tony Alamo Ministries, each received $500,000 in actual damages and $1 million in punitive damages to be paid by Kolbek. The suit was filed on their behalves last year by Carter.