Arrest Warrant Issued for Tony Alamo, by Carol Rock, KHTS, September 25, 2008

Arrest Warrant Issued for Tony Alamo

By Carol Rock
KHTS
September 25, 2008

http://www.hometownstation.com/local-news/arrest-alamo-clarita-2008-09-25-14-38.html

Authorities looking for vehicle believed to be used by wanted charismatic ex-con.

A federal arrest warrant has been issued for Bernie LaZar Hoffman, better known as Tony Alamo, the ex-con leader of the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries with a compound on Sierra Highway near Agua Dulce.

It was reported that FBI agents, with support from local sheriff deputies and county child welfare workers, visited the compound early Sunday morning, but no one was taken into custody. It is not known how many adults or children are living at the Saugus location.

Lt. Mark Hershey of the Santa Clarita sheriff's station confirmed that the station was advised that a federal warrant had been issued for Hoffman/Alamo. Sgt. Darren Harris told KHTS that deputies have been given a description of the vehicle Hoffman/Alamo is believed to be using.

Alamo served four years of a six year sentence for tax evasion, leaving prison in 1998. His cult-like ministries embrace a philosophy that supports polygamy and sex with underage girls and have established compounds in California, New Jersey, Georgia and Arkansas. Because of its anti-Catholic, anti-homosexual and anti-government stance, the Alamo organization is considered a hate group.

The Fouke, Arkansas compound, near Texarkana, was raided Saturday by state and federal law enforcement officials in response to allegations of child abuse and pornography. During Saturday's raid, six young girls were taken into protective custody. Hearings for the girls, who are between 10 and 17 years of age, will begin on Friday and continue on Monday.