Evangelist Tony Alamo has been sentenced to 175 years in federal prison for taking underage girls across state lines for sex.
Alamo was sentenced Friday in Texarkana, Arkansas.
U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes listened to testimony from three of Alamo's victims 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."
A hearing is set for Jan. 13 to determine whether Alamo's victims will get restitution.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) - Several of the child "wives" who helped convict evangelist Tony Alamo of federal sex charges were expected to return to the witness stand on Friday during his sentencing hearing.
The 75-year-old leader of the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries were scheduled to appear in court in Texarkana. A jury convicted him in July on a 10-count indictment accusing him of taking young girls across state lines for sex. Alamo faces up to 175 years in prison
After the jury's decision, the apocalyptic preacher told reporters: "I'm just another one of the prophets that went to jail for the Gospel."
How long he stays behind bars will be up to U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes, who will rule after Alamo's lawyers plead for leniency. However, prosecutors believe Barnes will side with victims and apply a sentencing ensuring that Alamo never gets released.
Alamo was sentenced Friday in Texarkana, Arkansas.
U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes listened to testimony from three of Alamo's victims 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."
A hearing is set for Jan. 13 to determine whether Alamo's victims will get restitution.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) - Several of the child "wives" who helped convict evangelist Tony Alamo of federal sex charges were expected to return to the witness stand on Friday during his sentencing hearing.
The 75-year-old leader of the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries were scheduled to appear in court in Texarkana. A jury convicted him in July on a 10-count indictment accusing him of taking young girls across state lines for sex. Alamo faces up to 175 years in prison
After the jury's decision, the apocalyptic preacher told reporters: "I'm just another one of the prophets that went to jail for the Gospel."
How long he stays behind bars will be up to U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes, who will rule after Alamo's lawyers plead for leniency. However, prosecutors believe Barnes will side with victims and apply a sentencing ensuring that Alamo never gets released.
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