TEXARKANA -- Properties associated with imprisoned evangelist Tony Alamo didn't go up for auction recently as planned.
"Before the court is another attempt by Tony Alamo to avoid responsibility and escape his creditors," states a motion seeking to enforce a federal judge's order to sell a church and gym building in Fort Smith.
Six properties, including the church and gym, were to be sold per U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Bryant's finding that the properties are actually owned, controlled and operated for Alamo's benefit and profit despite being placed in the names of Alamo loyalists.
Five members of Alamo Ministries filed mechanics' liens against the two properties, claiming they are owed money for work on the real estate.
The liens are fraudulent and should be declared invalid, attorneys for Alamo victims argued in the motion.
"First, there was no valid contract between the lien holder and the owner of the property. Second, the church members are filing these liens on behalf of Tony Alamo; the property owner. Third, if the court finds that the liens are legitimate, they should not be afforded priority because the claimants have failed to be diligent in bringing their claims," states the motion filed by Texarkana lawyer David Carter and Irving, Texas, lawyer Neil Smith.
Four other properties in Fort Smith were sold at the end of May as partial recompense toward a $30 million judgment that Alamo owes two men who were abused as children raised in the ministry. A jury found Alamo guilty of battery, conspiracy and outrage in a civil case brought by Spencer Ondrisek and Seth Calagna.
Alamo is serving a 175-year prison term for bringing five women he wed as children across state lines for sex. A suit involving the women's suffering is pending in state court.
This week, Bryant is considering arguments concerning properties in Fouke, Texarkana and Fort Smith that Carter and Smith want to sell as well to partially satisfy Alamo's debt to Ondrisek and Calagna.
As with the Fort Smith properties already ordered for auction, members of Alamo's flock are arguing that they are the true owners of the properties, not their jailed pastor.
Metro on 06/13/2014