Arkansas evangelist gets 175 years for child sex

[ccharles000]

TEXARKANA, Arkansas - Evangelist Tony Alamo was sentenced Friday to 175 years in prison for taking underage girls across state lines for sex, effectively punishing him for the rest of his life for molesting children he took as “brides” in his ministry.

During Friday’s hearing, some of Alamo’s victims testified about how their families were destroyed while the evangelist took over their lives.

Alamo, 75, had been convicted in July on a 10-count federal indictment. U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes said Alamo used his status as father figure and pastor and threatened and threatened the girls with “the loss of their salvation.”

“Mr. Alamo, one day you will face a higher a greater judge than me; may he have mercy on your soul,” Barnes said.

Just before Barnes sentenced Alamo, the evangelist offered a brief statement to the court praising God then later adding:

“I’m glad I’m me and not the deceived people in the world.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33909534/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

[SalmonChantedEvening]

1. He will not live long enough to suffer as he should.

He should spend several lifetimes locked away. :grr:

[Recursion]

2. Brimstone ain't hot enough

Who are the only people Jesus ever explicitly called down damnation on? Religious leaders who abused their authority.

[JoeyT]

3. Recced

Though I'll add that had he been part of one of the mainstream branches, I doubt he'd be punished nearly as severely, if at all.

[madokie]

4. That should have happened a long long time ago

he is a pig of pigs

[ccharles000]

6. yep

[Odin2005]

5. May he rot in Hell.

[morningglory]

7. There's no Viagra in prison. Bwaaahahaha... nt

[piratefish08]

8. Hypocrisy and evil wrapped up in a religious cloak.

Color me surprised.

[Glenda]

9. The one girl was 8 years old n/t