Arkansas Blog

FBI NEWS RELEASE

Bernie Hoffman, a/k/a Tony Alamo, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark E. Aspey, in U.S. District Court in Flagstaff, Arizona, today, after his arrest yesterday by the FBI. He was arrested on a charge brought in the Western District of Arkansas, and is accused of knowingly transporting an individual who has not attained the age of 18 years across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity that would be a violation of state law, in violation of Title 18 U.S. C. Section 2423(a). An initial appearance in the jurisdiction of arrest is required under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

During the court proceeding, Judge Aspey advised the defendant, Alamo, of his right to have a removal or identity hearing, preliminary hearing, and detention hearing. Alamo waived his right to have those hearings in the District of Arizona, and agreed to his removal back to the Western District of Arkansas. Alamo was ordered detained by the court on grounds he may pose a danger to the community or be a flight risk.

The defendant, Alamo, will be transported to the Western District of Arkansas, where further hearings will be scheduled at a later date. A complaint is a form of accusation and is not evidence of guilt, the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.