Perverted Evangelist Denied Bail

Last month, I posted about the arrest of 72 year-old evangelist Tony Alamo (his real name is Bernie Lazar Hoffman) on charges that he took a 13 year-old girl across state lines to have sex with her in 2004, and then again in 2005. He was arrested in Arizona and transported back to Arkansas.

Yesterday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant denied bond to the evangelist, and said he would remain in custody until his trial. The judge noted that Alamo is accused of a serious and violent crime, he has fled charges in the past, and he owns property in several states (none of which is in his name). Because of these factors, the judge deemed him to be a flight risk.

Several former members of Alamo's church testified at the hearing, saying he practiced polygamy and at least one of his "wives" was a 9 year-old child. He also ordered vicious beatings of his followers, even to the point of them bleeding through their clothing.

Each of the two charges against Alamo carry a penalty of 10 years to life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Personally, I believe he should receive the maximum penalty if the government is able to prove their case.

Religion should never be used as a cover for any kind of crimes -- especially child sex abuse.