Kent "Dr Dino" Hovind arrested on tax evasion

[Guest]

Evangelist arrested on tax evasion
Michael Stewart
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app ... 1/60713013
A Pensacola evangelist was arrested Thursday and indicted in federal court on 58 charges that include income tax evasion, making threats against investigators and filing false complaints against Internal Revenue Service agents.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Miles Davis handed down the indictment against Kent Hovind, who operated a creationist theme park Dinosaur Adventure Land, off Old Palafox Road.

Hovind’s wife, Jo Hovind, was also indicted on 44 of the counts and appeared in court alongside her husband.

Arraignment for the Hovinds is scheduled for2 p.m. Monday. The couple was released pending their trial but are not allowed to travel outside the Northern District of Florida.

[Guest]

Evangelist arrested on tax evasion
Michael Stewart
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app ... 1/60713013
A Pensacola evangelist was arrested Thursday and indicted in federal court on 58 charges that include income tax evasion, making threats against investigators and filing false complaints against Internal Revenue Service agents.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Miles Davis handed down the indictment against Kent Hovind, who operated a creationist theme park Dinosaur Adventure Land, off Old Palafox Road.

Hovind’s wife, Jo Hovind, was also indicted on 44 of the counts and appeared in court alongside her husband.

Arraignment for the Hovinds is scheduled for2 p.m. Monday. The couple was released pending their trial but are not allowed to travel outside the Northern District of Florida.

ouch, i just met him a few months ago, that's too bad, we need someone else to step up against evolution..... legally

[Guest]

ouch, i just met him a few months ago, that's too bad, we need someone else to step up against evolution..... legally

There are other people that do a much better job of it. I don't think the cause for creation is going to suffer much from this. Hovind's audience was the already-convinved, not the evolutionists. That is how he got away with saying a lot of what he did.
D.

[Guest]

Details are coming out....
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app ... 40333/1006
Evangelist arrested on federal charges
A Pensacola evangelist who owns the defunct Dinosaur Adventure Land in Pensacola was arrested Thursday on 58 federal charges, including failing to pay $473,818 in employee-related taxes and making threats against investigators.

Of the 58 charges, 44 were filed against Kent Hovind and his wife, Jo, for evading bank reporting requirements as they withdrew $430,500 from AmSouth Bank between July 20, 2001, and Aug. 9, 2002.

At the couple's first court appearance Thursday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miles Davis, Kent Hovind professed not to understand why he is being prosecuted. Some 20 supporters were in the courtroom.

"I still don't understand what I'm being charged for and who is charging me," he said.

Kent Hovind, who often calls himself "Dr. Dino," has been sparring with the IRS for at least 17 years on his claims that he is employed by God, receives no income, has no expenses and owns no property.

"The debtor apparently maintains that as a minister of God, everything he owns belongs to God and he is not subject to paying taxes to the United States on money he receives for doing God's work," U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Lewis Killian Jr. wrote when he dismissed a claim from Hovind in 1996.

Hovind, an avowed creationist, has widely publicized his "standing offer" to pay $250,000 to anyone who can provide scientific evidence of evolution.

"No one has ever observed a dog produce a non-dog," Hovind once wrote in reply to a New York Times article.

In the indictment unsealed Thursday, a grand jury alleges that Kent Hovind failed to pay $473,818 in federal income, Social Security and Medicare taxes on employees at his Creation Science Evangelism/Ministry between March 31, 2001, and Jan. 31, 2004.

As part of the ministry, Hovind operated the Dinosaur Adventure Land at 5800 N. Palafox St., which included rides, a museum and a science center. He also sold literature, videos, CDs and other materials and provided lecture services and live debates for a fee.

The indictment alleges Kent Hovind paid his employees in cash and labeled them "missionaries" to avoid payroll tax and FICA requirements.

On Thursday, a message on the Dinosaur Adventure Land telephone welcomed visitors to the place "where dinosaurs and the Bible meet" and stated that the museum and science center were closed temporarily.

The indictment also says the Hovinds' made cash withdrawals from AmSouth Bank in a manner that evaded federal requirements for reporting cash transactions.

The withdrawals were for $9,500 or $9,600, just below the $10,000 starting point for reporting cash transactions.

Most of the withdrawals were days apart. For example, the indictment shows three withdrawals of $9,500 each on July 20, July 23 and July 26 in 2001.

The indictment also charges Kent Hovind with impeding an IRS investigation.

Among the ways he is accused of doing:

· Filing a frivolous lawsuit against the agency demanding damages for criminal trespass.

· Filing an injunction against an IRS special agent.

· Filing false complaints against the IRS for false arrest, excessive use of force and theft.

· Making threats against investigators and those cooperating with the investigation.

Judge Davis released the Hovinds from custody pending their trial, which will be scheduled during their arraignment at 2 p.m. Monday.

Over Kent Hovind's protests, the judge took away his passport and guns Hovind claimed belonged to his church.

Hovind argued that he needs his passport to continue his evangelism work. He said "thousands and thousands" are waiting to hear him preach in South Africa next month.

But Davis agreed with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heldmyer, who argued that "like-minded people" might secret Hovind away if he left the country.

As for the guns, Davis said "ownership was not the issue."

Kent Hovind also has had run-ins with state authorities.

In April, Circuit Judge Michael Allen ordered the buildings at Dinosaur Adventure Land closed because Hovind failed to obtain a building permit during the 2002 construction. The outdoor theme park was allowed to stay open.

Members of Creation Science Evangelism said at the time that building permits violated their "deeply held" religious beliefs.

While the building permit case was tied up in a four-year court battle, ownership of the theme park was turned over to Glen Stoll, who works with Hovind on legal issues and is based in Washington.

Last year, the U.S. attorney in Seattle filed a lawsuit against Stoll, charging him with encouraging people to avoid tax payments by claiming to be religious entities, according to news reports.

[Guest]

Evangelist arrested on tax evasion
Michael Stewart
http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/app ... 1/60713013
A Pensacola evangelist was arrested Thursday and indicted in federal court on 58 charges that include income tax evasion, making threats against investigators and filing false complaints against Internal Revenue Service agents.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Miles Davis handed down the indictment against Kent Hovind, who operated a creationist theme park Dinosaur Adventure Land, off Old Palafox Road.

Hovind’s wife, Jo Hovind, was also indicted on 44 of the counts and appeared in court alongside her husband.

Arraignment for the Hovinds is scheduled for2 p.m. Monday. The couple was released pending their trial but are not allowed to travel outside the Northern District of Florida.

Well, it's about time! This dodgy geezer has been getting away with his shenanigans for years!

[Guest]

Hovind is "in bed with" a guy named Glen Stoll, a well known tax protestor with a religious spin. It is Stoll that Hovind got his “ministerial trust” papers from. They are so close that when Florida came after the Dino Park, Hovind transferred it into Stoll's name so that out-of-state issues would complicate the matter. How Hovind could give Stoll something that belonged to God is a whole different topic. Stoll has had his own press and run-in with the government. Here are some links and excerpts from them:
http://www.usdoj.gov/tax/txdv05065.htm

The Justice Department today sued Glen Stoll, of Edmonds, Washington, and Michael Stevens, of Everett, Washington, to bar an alleged tax fraud scheme that uses sham trusts to help customers try to evade federal income taxes. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle, alleges that Stoll and Stevens are former associates of John and Candace Sinclair, of Kirkland, Washington, against whom the government filed a similar suit last month.

Today’s complaint alleges that the two men and their companies, which the government also sued, sell a fraudulent “corporation sole” and “ministerial trust” scheme, falsely telling customers that conducting their personal and business activities through a so-called ministerial trust eliminates obligations to file federal tax returns and pay federal tax. The complaint alleges that the defendants market their program through a website and falsely claim to be lawyers. The defendants also allegedly help customers transfer their income to offshore bank accounts. According to the complaint, the customers then repatriate the funds using credit cards connected to the accounts but fail to report the funds as income on their tax returns. Defendants allegedly charge customers at least $4,000 to participate in the scheme.

http://justice.gov/tax/txdv05223.htm

The Justice Department announced today that a federal court in Seattle has barred Glen Stoll, of Edmonds, Washington, from promoting a tax-fraud scheme using sham trusts and a corporation to help customers evade federal taxes. The preliminary injunction order, entered yesterday by Judge Ricardo S. Martinez of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, states that Stoll continued to promote the fraudulent scheme after the Justice Department filed the suit earlier this year to stop it.

I think Paul covered it pretty well in Romans 13. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established, the authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves...This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are Gods servants who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him, if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue. If respect, then respect. If honor then honor."

Stoll is considered an "ambassador" of "The Embassy of Heaven". As http://www.embassyofheaven.com/catalog/passport.htm shows, you too can even get a passport from Heaven to use in your travels for the low, low price of $50. LOL With your official "Heavenly" Passport, you can even do away with any requirements of citizens. Of course there is nothing hypocritical at all in accepting the perks of citizenship. Some might also find the "sermon" of "Pastor" "Paul Revere" at http://radio.embassyofheaven.com/radio/T9829A.htm where he talks with and about Glen using his "Heavenly" passport and auto license plates. Never knew that the Kingdom of Heaven has its official headquarters in Oklahoma. LOL
D.

[Guest]

I was reading more on the "Embassy of Heaven" web site about what you can do if you are a true member of the Heavenly Kingdom. Avoiding taxes is just the beginning of your "benefits". Besides giving the title of your vehicles over to "the embassy" for vehicle registration purposes, you can also get an Embassy drivers license. Auto insurance is no longer a requirement if the "embassy" owns your car and you are just a "steward". Here are some hilarious quotes from their FAQ:

If I am stopped, what do I say?

State that you are a citizen of Heaven traveling upon the highways in the Kingdom of Heaven, for the purpose of evangelizing, in obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If they try to claim you are on the highways in the State, remind them that the highways are multi-jurisdictional. If you were using the highways in the State, you would need their permission in the form of a State license. But, since you are using the highways in the Kingdom of Heaven, you cannot be trespassing upon the State.

They normally will try to have you acknowledge that you are in their State. Remember, there is no communion between light and darkness. Stay in the Kingdom of Heaven, regardless of their pressure.

What do I do if I am issued citations?

They do not have authority to issue citations because we are not of their household. Nevertheless, they cite us. If we try to speak before their courts, the truth is not acknowledged because they refuse to recognize God's government upon the earth. Therefore, be prepared to suffer persecution.

We normally do not voluntarily make court appearances. If you are cited, you can send the tickets to us. We will cancel them and send the citations back with a letter. Despite our efforts, an arrest warrant may be issued and you may eventually be hauled to jail.

Is there a possibility that I may lose my car?

Yes. [No kidding! You already gave it to the "Embassy!] New State laws are being passed that allow the police to confiscate vehicles for various reasons such as no registration, no insurance, or no driver license. With laws like this on the books, Heaven's ambassadors will be losing cars for the sake of the Kingdom.

We recommend that you do not put any vehicle out on the road that you are not willing to lose. We suggest purchasing an inexpensive, older, reliable car for evangelizing. If you drive a $500 sedan and the police confiscate it, your losses will be minimal.

What about the State's requirement for car insurance?

It is none of the State's business whether or not we have insurance on our vehicles. They cannot require the Church, as the nation of God, to have insurance. We are not under their supervision.

Car insurance is a requirement for State residents. As residents of the nation of Heaven, we are not required to carry insurance. However, God does require that we be responsible for our actions. If we hurt someone or damage property, we should attempt to make restoration, to the best of our ability.

In Psalm 91, we have God's assurance that He will deliver His own in times of trouble.

So if Hovind is not "delivered" from this, God is a liar or Hovind is not one of His, I guess. Now I know what my dad was referring to when he said some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.
D.

[Guest]

I think Paul covered it pretty well in Romans 13. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established, the authorities that exist have been established by God.

Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgement on themselves...This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are Gods servants who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him, if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue.

If respect, then respect. If honor then honor."

Amen!

[Guest]

I was reading more on the "Embassy of Heaven" web site about what you can do if you are a true member of the Heavenly Kingdom. Avoiding taxes is just the beginning of your "benefits". Besides giving the title of your vehicles over to "the embassy" for vehicle registration purposes, you can also get an Embassy drivers license. Auto insurance is no longer a requirement if the "embassy" owns your car and you are just a "steward". Here are some hilarious quotes from their FAQ:

If I am stopped, what do I say?

State that you are a citizen of Heaven traveling upon the highways in the Kingdom of Heaven, for the purpose of evangelizing, in obedience to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If they try to claim you are on the highways in the State, remind them that the highways are multi-jurisdictional. If you were using the highways in the State, you would need their permission in the form of a State license. But, since you are using the highways in the Kingdom of Heaven, you cannot be trespassing upon the State.

They normally will try to have you acknowledge that you are in their State. Remember, there is no communion between light and darkness. Stay in the Kingdom of Heaven, regardless of their pressure.

What do I do if I am issued citations?

They do not have authority to issue citations because we are not of their household. Nevertheless, they cite us. If we try to speak before their courts, the truth is not acknowledged because they refuse to recognize God's government upon the earth. Therefore, be prepared to suffer persecution.

We normally do not voluntarily make court appearances. If you are cited, you can send the tickets to us. We will cancel them and send the citations back with a letter. Despite our efforts, an arrest warrant may be issued and you may eventually be hauled to jail.

Is there a possibility that I may lose my car?

Yes. [No kidding! You already gave it to the "Embassy!] New State laws are being passed that allow the police to confiscate vehicles for various reasons such as no registration, no insurance, or no driver license. With laws like this on the books, Heaven's ambassadors will be losing cars for the sake of the Kingdom.

We recommend that you do not put any vehicle out on the road that you are not willing to lose. We suggest purchasing an inexpensive, older, reliable car for evangelizing. If you drive a $500 sedan and the police confiscate it, your losses will be minimal.

What about the State's requirement for car insurance?

It is none of the State's business whether or not we have insurance on our vehicles. They cannot require the Church, as the nation of God, to have insurance. We are not under their supervision.

Car insurance is a requirement for State residents. As residents of the nation of Heaven, we are not required to carry insurance. However, God does require that we be responsible for our actions. If we hurt someone or damage property, we should attempt to make restoration, to the best of our ability.

In Psalm 91, we have God's assurance that He will deliver His own in times of trouble.

So if Hovind is not "delivered" from this, God is a liar or Hovind is not one of His, I guess. Now I know what my dad was referring to when he said some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.
D.

Crikey mate, you Yanks have some real nutters in your country!

[Guest]

Er, like some dudes recently said, "where is the love?"

I sense slightly a bit too much glee in reporting this stuff. Okay, we need to be informed so thanks Dj. But I hope you are also praying for Mr Hovind and his wife that if they have indeed been dishonestly handling their money (or more accurately, the money which has been given to them by the Lord for stewardship), that they will repent and learn from their mistakes.

in Messiah,
Ely