Govt. witness says evangelist’s young sex victims should receive $2.7 million for suffering

Govt. says pastor’s sex victims entitled to $2.7M

TEXARKANA, Ark. — A government witness says five young victims of evangelist Tony Alamo (uh-LAH-moe) should each receive $2.7 million for physical and mental pain suffered at his southwestern Arkansas compound.

Federal prosecutors are seeking restitution from Alamo, who was sentenced last year to 175 years in prison for taking young girls across state lines for sex.

The girls are now aged 17-33. Dr. Sharon Cooper testified they suffer chronic back pain and depression and that they don’t have high school diplomas or insurance.

Alamo scowled and sighed during Cooper’s testimony Wednesday. His lawyers will cross-examine her later.

Alamo’s ministry is said to be worth millions, but many of its affiliated businesses are held in his followers’ names.