Will followers of evangelist Tony Alamo still obey his commands from federal prison?

Will followers still obey evangelist from prison?

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Evangelist Tony Alamo is likely heading to prison for the rest of his life, but the apocalyptic preacher may be able to retain control of his ministry from behind bars.

Alamo, 75, will be sentenced in Arkansas on Friday to up to 175 years after being convicted in July of taking girls as young as 8 across state lines for sex.

The preacher kept control of his followers before when he was in prison for tax evasion, issuing orders by phone. He will have telephone access again. Cult expert Rick A. Ross says that could be enough to keep people loyal. Ross says they won’t want to admit they made sacrifices for Alamo in vain.

While Alamo awaits sentencing, his acolytes have made pleas for leniency. They also have kept the elaborate gardens in front of his church blooming.