11/14/09 – Texarkana, Ark — An evangelist who used his influence to have sex with impressionable young girls who feared “the loss of their salvation” has been sentenced to 175 years in prison.
Tony Alamo, 75, is a self proclaimed prophet who preyed on his followers’ young daughters and took them as child brides. Prosecutors said his victims were as young as 8 years old.
In September of 2008 FBI agents and Arkansas State Police raided Alamo’s compound. Days later Alamo was arrested in Flagstaff, Arizona, and charged with violating the Mann Act – a 100 year old morality law aimed at stopping women from being sold into prostitution.
During Alamo’s trial five women, age 17 – 33, testified that Alamo performed shame marriage ceremonies with them while they were minors. Evidence was also shown that Alamo transported his minor ‘brides’ across state borders for the purpose of sex.
Even while imprisoned and awaiting trial one woman testified that she was taken to visit Alamo in prison and on that visit he “married” and groped her.
Authorities stated they would be working with prison officials to ensure Alamo could not continue to control his ministry from behind bars.
Sat, Nov 14, 2009
Nat'l News