Evangelist Tony Alamo was just sentenced to 175 years in prison for taking little girls as young as 9 across state lines for sex. He took these girls as "brides" in his ministry, Tony Alamo Christian Ministries.
Alamo, 75, claimed the charges were fabricated by a Vatican-led conspiracy against Alamo's church.
Alamo was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes. Barnes said that Alamo used his status as a father figure and pastor and threatened the girls with the loss of their salvation if they refused. Just before being sentenced, Alamo was allowed to give a statement to the court. He praised God and said, "I'm glad I'm me and not the deceived people in the world."
Alamo's lawyers plan to appeal the ruling, citing the opinion of a doctor who said that Alamo suffers from hardening arteries, diabetes, glaucoma and other health problems.
While being cross-examined, this doctor admitted that he only saw Alamo once in 2004. The purpose of that visit was an eye lift to make Alamo appear younger.
Alamo will stay in prison in Texarkana (where he was sentenced) until a hearing on January 13 that will determine if his victims get restitution from him. From Texarkana, he will be moved to a federal prison with hospital facilities.
I have to say I'm pretty happy with the verdict in this case. I remember hearing a little about this when the trial was going on and it was sickening. It's repulsive to me that someone would use their authority and position to do things like this.
I hate when people use religion to justify acts like the ones committed by Alamo. There is absolutely nothing biblical to say that he had any right to take these children as his brides. NOTHING.
It is appalling to me when people use religion like this. It's frustrating because the crazies, like Alamo, are always the ones in the media. They make for a great story and no one gets to hear stories of real Christians who actually live the life they should.
I feel awful for the victims of his crimes. How horrible would it be to lose your innocence in that way? I can't even imagine what they would have been thinking. They trusted this man, looked up to him. Their parents trusted him. They were told that these things were right. That monster told them they'd lose their salvation if they didn't follow along!
I'm normally pretty good about empathizing with people and trying to see everyone's side. I try to look at situations from every point of view and can usually understand the reasons people do things, even if I don't agree with the action.
In this case it makes me sick to even try. I don't want to know his reasons. I just want him to stay locked up and miserable for the rest of his pathetic life. That's not the right way to feel about him I know, but crimes against children always make me so angry.
I pray that the victims are able to heal and get past all of this. It will never go away but I hope that they have a good support system and people that truly do care for them and that they will be able to deal with everything.
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I think everyone of these guys should suffer cruel and unusual punishment, they are becoming more and more active, the news seems to be covering case after case with these freaks. Its actually pretty scary.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that justice was served. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved. I hope that they can find peace in their lives now.
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