FOUKE, Ark. – State and federal authorities are investigating the possible sexual abuse of minors at a 15-acre evangelical compound run by a convicted tax evader whom critics describe as a cult leader.
The Tony Alamo Christian Ministries complex in southwestern Arkansas was raided Saturday by more than 100 federal and state police, and six children have been placed in temporary state custody and are being interviewed.
No one was arrested, but U.S. Attorney Bob Balfe said prior to the raid he expects a warrant to be issued for Alamo, 74, who has a long history of tangling with law enforcement.
State police spokesman Bill Sadler said if the children in state care need to be held long-term, the matter would have to go before a judge.
Children interviewed after raid on Arkansas religious compound
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