January 14, 2010
Judge Orders $500K for Each of Tony Alamo's Victims
TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Five young women who testified last year that evangelist Tony Alamo took them as "wives" and sexually assaulted them when they were minors are entitled to $500,000 each from his multi-million-dollar ministry, a federal judge ruled Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes ordered restitution after a government witness said the women suffered physical and mental pain at the hands of Alamo, who is serving a 175-year prison sentence for taking the women when they were underage across state lines for sex. In his ruling, Barnes noted that each of the victims were assaulted by someone they regarded as a pastor and prophet. "The defendant has truly, truly damaged these five young girls and I don't think any amount of money this court can order can replace their loss," Barnes said. Prosecutors said they were confident Alamo, 75, could afford the $2.5 million judgment even though most of his assets are held in his followers' names.Click Here For The Full Story......