Founder of Christian Ministries Sentenced to 175 Years in Sex Abuse Case

Tony Alamo, founder and leader of Tony Alamo Christian Ministries, has been sentenced to 175 years in prison for transporting minors across state lines for sex.

Alamo, whose real name is Bernie Hoffman, was found guilty of 10 federal counts for crimes that took place over the last 11 years.  The 75-year-old will serve sentences for each count consecutively.  Alamo was also ordered to pay $250,000 in fines.

Alamo was accused of transporting five girls across state lines for sex, all under the age of 18. All three victims that testified said that Alamo sexually assaulted them.

Last year, Alamo maintained his innocence, calling his arrest was a hoax, believing police and prosecutors were "trying to make our church look evil...by saying I'm a pornographer.  Saying that I rape children. I love children. I don't abuse them. Never have. Never will."

Alamo's attorneys have filed an appeal.

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