Kent Hovind in solitary confinement?

[Questioninggeller]

In the last month Hovind's appeal was denied (http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=80090) and he moved from a minimum security prison to a medium security prison. Now according to a posting by Paul Abramson (a Hovind supporter/operator of Hovind's blog):

DR. HOVIND - was just moved to a different federal facility.

He is now in solitary confinement for 23 1/2 hours per day, in a small cell. He sleeps (at this time) on the concrete floor. A guard has provided him with part of a “Good News for Modern Man” Bible. He has nothing else, as far as we know. There are conflicting reports from the new facility on whether or not he can receive visitors. He has had a very limited “approved visitors” list up until now.

His new address:

Kent Hovind #06452-017
...

=====

Letters and postcards can be sent. No food; no hardbound books; no CDs or DVDs; do not put “Dr.” in front of his name. All mail is opened and checked in front of guards.

Paul Abramson

P.S. The “May 7″ post from Brother Hovind above - was actually written by him over one week ago, from before he was suddenly moved to the new location and put into solitary confinement a few days ago. …


http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=71#comments

and

May 8, 2007
...
Brother Hovind got in trouble with the chaplain in the federal prison where he was previously held. The chaplain actually tried to get Dr. Hovind in trouble on more than one occasion. And the chaplain told him to stop holding Bible studies. The chaplain called them “unauthorized meetings.” Dr. Hovind was following the rules that no more than 5 men could meet together. He kept holding the Bible studies (only with 3-4 others at a time) and witnessing to his fellow inmates whenever he could. And just like before, in the county jail, men were responding to the Word! They were coming to know Christ as their Savior and Lord.

Suddenly last week Dr. Hovind was shipped out of that institution and sent to another, where he is now in a bare cell, isolated in solitary confinement, as was learned and reported yesterday. …

Paul Abramson
Editor of cseblogs.com


First spotted by Ed Brayton at scienceblogs (http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2007/05/hovind_in_solitary_confinement.php) and panda's thumb (http://www.pandasthumb.org/archives/2007/05/the_hovind_saga.html)

[Reed]

Brother Hovind got in trouble with the chaplain in the federal prison where he was previously held.

I've been wondering what infraction Hovind committed to get himself thrown into the hole.

The moral of this story is don't mess with the Chaplain.

[Questioninggeller]

According to Hovind's blog, May 8, 2007

...
And the chaplain told him to stop holding Bible studies. The chaplain called them “unauthorized meetings.” Dr. Hovind was following the rules that no more than 5 men could meet together.
...

According to Hovind's blog, March 19, 2007 (http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=66)

...
There are twelve men in my small room. At least five are professing Christians, two are Jews, and I don’t know about the rest yet. I started a Bible study with one guy, but before we finished, twelve more joined.
...

[Mark A. Siefert]

Is there any outside verification to back this up? After all, we know how much Christians are suckers for a story of martyrdom... with emphasis on the word "story."

[Questioninggeller]

Is there any outside verification to back this up? After all, we know how much Christians are suckers for a story of martyrdom... with emphasis on the word "story."

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' status on Hovind: http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=Hovind&Middle=&FirstName=Kent&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=19&y=12

Hovind is listed as being located at TALLAHASSEE FCI. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons:

...
The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Tallahassee, Florida, is a low security facility housing female inmates with an adjacent detention center that houses administrative security level male inmates.
...

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/index.jsp):

Administrative facilities are institutions with special missions, such as the detention of pretrial offenders; the treatment of inmates with serious or chronic medical problems; or the containment of extremely dangerous, violent, or escape-prone inmates.
. . .
Administrative facilities are capable of holding inmates in all security categories.

[Zep]

Knowing Kent, he'll start trying to convert the cockroaches and rats.

[Jackalgirl]

...He is now in solitary confinement for 23 1/2 hours per day, in a small cell. He sleeps (at this time) on the concrete floor. (http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=71#comments)

Horsestuff. I'd be willing to bet a case of beer that he's not sleeping on the concrete floor. And I'll bet he was doing more than "witnessing".

[UnrepentantSinner]

Horsestuff. I'd be willing to bet a case of beer that he's not sleeping on the concrete floor. And I'll bet he was doing more than "witnessing".

Given how idiotic all things Hovind are I'm guessing that's a typo of "harassing."

[Jackalgirl]

Given how idiotic all things Hovind are I'm guessing that's a typo of "harassing."

Agreed. And let me amend my bet by saying that he's not sleeping on the concrete floor...unless by choice. Which would probably be JUST the "poor me" stunt this guy would pull.

[osmosis]

If he really was in solitary confinement, it would likely be for his own protection, as the other criminals would probably be trying to punch him in his big, fat, lying mouth just to shut him up. Heck, I'm tempted to commit a crime just so I can go visit him on the inside and punch him myself!

But it's 99.99% certain he isn't.

http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/tal/graphics/TAL.jpg

lol... yeah, it sure looks like he's doing hard time to me..

[ChristineR]

So he started arguing with a prisoner that disagreed with him, and before long there were fourteen people in the room. Sounds like a prison warden's nightmare.

This guy is so convinced he's right that he thinks that the normal rules of human interaction don't apply to him. When even the chaplain is telling you your going about things in the wrong way you should stop and think.

[Reed]

This guy is so convinced he's right that he thinks that the normal rules of human interaction don't apply to him.

If that's the case, then we can expect Dr Hovind to squander any opportunities for early release due to good behavior. Even Jim Bakker was smart enough to realize that -- serving only 5 years of what could have been a 18 year sentence.

[Zep]

Maybe we should all write him letters saying he should demand justice from his jailers all the time, 24/7. Knowing that he CAN keep this sort of annoyance up at this rate, will that make the probability of parole for him slide?

[Slimething]

Knowing Kent, he'll start trying to convert the cockroaches and rats.

Ah, the new Renfield (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renfield). At least he's not eating them...yet. If he does, who will listen? :eek:

[Mark A. Siefert]

If that's the case, then we can expect Dr Hovind to squander any opportunities for early release due to good behavior. Even Jim Bakker was smart enough to realize that -- serving only 5 years of what could have been a 18 year sentence.

Nah, I'm sure he's expecting Dubbya to pardon him at the end of his term.

And to be honest, it would surprise me if it happened as a last kiss good night to the fundies to keep them in the GOP ranks.

[Reed]

I'm sure he's expecting Dubbya to pardon him at the end of his term.

Dr Hovind is supposedly considered a kook by many other fundamentalists, partly due to his unique creationist theories and partly for his lawlessness. As such, I doubt they owe him a get-out-of-jail-free card.

[Darat]

Perhaps he's been moved to solitary confinement as it looked like several of his fellow inmates would have their sentences overturned based on the concept of "cruel and unusual punishment" i.e. being subjected to Hovind!

[Reed]

Maybe we should all write him letters saying he should demand justice from his jailers all the time, 24/7.

From the blog entries it appears that Dr Hovind's mail is being reviewed by the guards prior to him receiving it. They will block any obvious attempt to manipulate him in this way. However, I suspect there are those clever enough to encode their messages in Biblical terms that Hovind has the background to understand.

[Soapy Sam]

Can you imagine it?
You're doing 2-5 for honest tax evasion and find yourself sharing a cell with Hovind?

Murder would be the rational choice.

[ponderingturtle]

Nah, I'm sure he's expecting Dubbya to pardon him at the end of his term.

And to be honest, it would surprise me if it happened as a last kiss good night to the fundies to keep them in the GOP ranks.

I don't think that is likely. It would need to be after the election, and then how can it effect the election?

And pardoning him before he election would drive the more rational people away. But it is bush so he has done that already, so who knows?

[Questioninggeller]

According to the FBP inmate finder, Hovind has been moved to United States Penitentiary (USP) in Atlanta, Georgia (http://www.bop.gov/locations/institutions/atl/index.jsp). That means hard time: USP is "high security."

Looks like Hovind messed up big time in prison as well.

[Reed]

That means hard time

"Welcome to Hell, Dr Hovind. You have 24 hours to swear allegiance to the Aryan Brotherhood, otherwise we cannot guarantee your safety."

Sucks to be him.

[osmosis]

"Welcome to Hell, Dr Hovind. You have 24 hours to swear allegiance to the Aryan Brotherhood, otherwise we cannot guarantee your safety."

I doubt he'd have a problem doing that, after all, isn't he an anti-semite? Doesn't he peddle the protocols of the elders of zion?

[Zep]

I doubt he'd have a problem doing that, after all, isn't he an anti-semite? Doesn't he peddle the protocols of the elders of zion?He has been peddling all sorts of racist and biased filth, including misrepresenting the better parts of the Christian bible. Let him get either a dose of reality, or lose his marbles completely.

[Questioninggeller]

According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons' status on Hovind (http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=Hovind&Middle=&FirstName=Kent&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=19&y=12) he was moved to Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Edgefield, South Carolina (a medium security prison).

Whatever he did in prison, it couldn't have made the FBP happy.

In Hovind's most recent blog (http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=74) post, he asked, "Why have you done this?"

[Jon.]

In Hovind's most recent blog (http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=74) post, he asked, "Why have you done this?"


I haven't read much of what Mr. Hovind has written. Does he always (or often) speak in parables? I haven't seen him do it before, which leads me to wonder whether (a) he's losing his marbles or (b) someone else is writing "his" blog posts while he's in stir.

[Questioninggeller]

I haven't read much of what Mr. Hovind has written. Does he always (or often) speak in parables? I haven't seen him do it before, which leads me to wonder whether (a) he's losing his marbles or (b) someone else is writing "his" blog posts while he's in stir.

Only since he's been in prison and not often. I don't see why he'd need a ghost writer.

[Stupendous Man]

In one of his recent blog entries, he makes references how he will never stop fighting to close federal prisons because of what they do to families.

[Questioninggeller]

Answers in Genesis' new building related to Hovind:


The Creation Museum: The Wackiest Place on Earth
The Simon (http://www.thesimon.com)
By Matt Hutaff, May 29, 2007

...

The Creation Museum is the second theme park placing fundamentalist Christianity alongside the scientific process. The first, Dinosaur Adventure Land, promises a similar experience with a delicious twist: dinosaurs are just a colossal practical joke by God to make the unbelievers think the earth is older than it really is. DAL's founder is Kent Hovind, a disgraced Creationist best known for both his 10-year prison term for tax evasion and his participation with Chick Publications, a promoter of bigoted and racist tracts designed to scare readers into conversion.

...



Full article: Source (http://www.thesimon.com/magazine/articles/canon_fodder/01390_the_creation_museum_wackiest_place_earth.htm l)

[Questioninggeller]

It should be noted that Paul Abramson (the person who runs Hovind's blog) runs http://www.creationism.org/ and according to his bio (http://www.creationism.org/topbar/editorbio.htm) he's friends with Carl Baugh, and runs a program at Master's Divinity School (an unaccredited school that awards PhDs for creationism).

[Zep]

Look for a takeover bid by a fellow creationist of Hovind's "business interests" in the near future. No-one demonstrates hypocritical greed like fundies...

[Jon.]

He's out of solitary now, in a prison camp in South Carolina. His latest blog entry (http://www.cseblogs.com/) contains more evidence of delusional behaviour (which may or may not differ from the delusional behaviour he showed before his incarceration). It's a conversation between Kent & Yahweh (described in the blog as an e-mail exchange, but sounds more like a phone call if you ask me). My favourite bit:


KH: ... I have one more question, Lord.
GOD: Yes, son, and I know what it is. You want to know when you will get out of prison, don’t you?
KH: Yes, Lord. I sure do.
GOD: Son, when Daniel went into the den of lions, did he know when or even if he would come out alive?
KH: No, Lord.
GOD: Did Shadrach and his friends know when they would come out of the furnace?
KH: I don’t think so, Lord.
GOD: Did Noah know how long the Flood would last when he went into the ark?
Did Abraham know how long he would wait for the promised child? Did Moses know how long it would take to lead those stubborn Jews to the Promised Land?
KH: I doubt it, Lord. So, none of them knew how long it would take?
GOD: Don’t you want to experience what these heroes of the faith experienced so that you can bond with them when you get up here?
KH: Well….. If that’s what you think is best, Lord.
GOD: It is best, son. I know this is a tough assignment, but I never give out more than you can bear (I Corinthians 10:13). By the way, son, this experience has humbled you and our relationship is much closer.
Job never knew when or even if his test would end, but he is fine now. He says, “Hang in there, Kent! I know how you feel!”
Son, if I told you when you were getting out, these guys up here would all say, “Hey God, You never told us!” That might start a riot up here, son!
I’m sorry, but you will have to wait like everyone else.
KH: But, Lord. I miss my family so badly!
GOD: Those men you are with all miss their families, too, son. Your family is fine. I’m watching over them. You will be back with them. Son, lots of people are watching you. You are helping people who are not in prison by your being in prison. You are doing my will, son. You just need to do one more thing for me.
KH: I know—quit griping!
GOD: You got it, son! You catch on slowly, but there is hope.



Gee, Kent, way to make sure the big guy isn't on the hook, no matter what happens!

[Dr. Lao]

Do not put Dr. in front of his name!


How about "Dr."

LOL

[Questioninggeller]

He's out of solitary now, in a prison camp in South Carolina. His latest blog entry (http://www.cseblogs.com/) contains more evidence of delusional behaviour (which may or may not differ from the delusional behaviour he showed before his incarceration). It's a conversation between Kent & Yahweh (described in the blog as an e-mail exchange, but sounds more like a phone call if you ask me). My favourite bit:

[(quote)]

Gee, Kent, way to make sure the big guy isn't on the hook, no matter what happens!

When I read that recent entry I really was speechless. He is so delusional, and refuses to acknowledge he is wrong in a way that words cannot express disgust. His supporters are no better, claiming he was railroaded by the government and will be released "soon."

This conviction was 15+ years in the making. Had the government pursued him for his 1996 perjury, his DrDino website would have never been able to solicit "donations" for his non-Church/not non-profit backyard amusement park.

One of the positive things about this convinction and subsequent claims are that the objective viewer can see just how out of touch with reality he really is.

If Hovind truly believes he is innocent he probably should have presented a defense in court rather than resting his case without calling witnesses. His further appeals should be interesting since he didn't even try to defend his acts.

[Questioninggeller]

Do not put Dr. in front of his name!


How about "Dr."

LOL

Yes, good olde Patriot "University." Let me quote a section about Darwin from his "dissertation":

He was born in 1809 and died about 1880. He was very anti-Christian and tried to influence anyone he could not to believe in God. He was very full of godless ideas. He was a very avid agnostic, racist, and an evolutionist. He believed in a great infinite age of the universe. He was very influential in furthering the ideas of evolution, particularly in the country of England.

Source: http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/bartelt_dissertation_on_hovind_thesis.htm

[Beleth]

GOD: By the way, son, this experience has humbled you


He's putting words in God's mouth?

I beg to differ that this has humbled him.

[Questioninggeller]

On the home front, Hovind's property has some very serious liens, and it appears that Kent's son, Eric Hovind has some interesting infractions as well.

http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/

[Zep]

When I read that recent entry I really was speechless. He is so delusional, and refuses to acknowledge he is wrong in a way that words cannot express disgust. His supporters are no better, claiming he was railroaded by the government and will be released "soon."

This conviction was 15+ years in the making. Had the government pursued him for his 1996 perjury, his DrDino website would have never been able to solicit "donations" for his non-Church/not non-profit backyard amusement park.

One of the positive things about this convinction and subsequent claims are that the objective viewer can see just how out of touch with reality he really is.

If Hovind truly believes he is innocent he probably should have presented a defense in court rather than resting his case without calling witnesses. His further appeals should be interesting since he didn't even try to defend his acts.

Alternatively, Occam says that he is completely barking mad.

[Zep]

On the home front, Hovind's property has some very serious liens, and it appears that Kent's son, Eric Hovind has some interesting infractions as well.

http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/That link goes to the home page of the Clerk of the Escambia County Court. But no mention of the Hovinds??

[Fronzel]

I've not really followed this, but I'm sure this is all because he is being persecuted for proving the lie of evolution and the part about being a lying cheating swindler will be forgotten by him.

Yes, good olde Patriot "University." Let me quote a section about Darwin from his "dissertation":




Wow. I don't read many dissertations but that feels grade schoolish.

[Fronzel]

That link goes to the home page of the Clerk of the Escambia County Court. But no mention of the Hovinds??

Hit public records and search Official records shows some tax problems and Court records has some traffic violations.



I'm a godless heathen and I don't have a criminal record.

[Zep]

I've not really followed this, but I'm sure this is all because he is being persecuted for proving the lie of evolution and the part about being a lying cheating swindler will be forgotten by him.Close. It's because he doesn't want to pay taxes, but the US government was inclined to disagree. What's worse for the Hovinds, it disagreed in court, proved that they were a lying thieving bastards, and won. That's why Kent is obsessed.




Wow. I don't read many dissertations but that feels grade schoolish.This is actually one of the better, more coherent parts of his thesis! And it gives you an idea of what Patriot "University"* will accept as "PhD" material. :)


*I cannot bring myself to allow that Patriot is a real university, so I will simply scary-quote that word.

[Zep]

Hit public records and search Official records shows some tax problems and Court records has some traffic violations.



I'm a godless heathen and I don't have a criminal record.There's at least one tax lien there for over half a million dollars! :eek:

[Questioninggeller]

There's at least one tax lien there for over half a million dollars! :eek:

Two different liens (two unrelated agencies) for $500,000+. It seems the Hovinds own a fair amount including real estate, cars, and motorcycles.

Or, as Hovind said in court, God owns a fair amount of property, but Hovind is just caretaking those motorcycles and house.

[Questioninggeller]

This is actually one of the better, more coherent parts of his thesis! And it gives you an idea of what Patriot "University"* will accept as "PhD" material. :)


*I cannot bring myself to allow that Patriot is a real university, so I will simply scary-quote that word.

The guy who runs it, Lonnie Skinner, refers to himself as "Dr. Lonnie Skinner." Strangely at nowhere on the webpage does it list where his doctorate is from...

[Zep]

The guy who runs it, Lonnie Skinner, refers to himself as "Dr. Lonnie Skinner." Strangely at nowhere on the webpage does it list where his doctorate is from...At a rough guess, Ranus U.

[ilikefrogs]

Yes, good olde Patriot "University." Let me quote a section about Darwin from his "dissertation":

He was born in 1809 and died about 1880.


About 1880? He couldn't even be bothered to get the exact year? :jaw-dropp

[Zep]

About 1880? He couldn't even be bothered to get the exact year? :jaw-droppHe couldn't be bothered getting any facts, actually. Seems childish fiction is far more his prose style.

[supercorgi]

Wow. I don't read many dissertations but that feels grade schoolish.

I agree. I reads like something written by a not very bright 16 year old. :boggled:

[Comsat Angel]

Could someone explain what a tax lien is?
I've heard the phrase only very occasionally - is it a solely US legal term?

[xingyifa]

A tax lien is a lien placed on property or assets by law to secure payment for delinquent taxes.

[Comsat Angel]

Aha! So Mr Hovind's property may be disposed of to pay for taxes?
Gee, I guess as God's caretaker he's doing a crappy job. The Big Man Upstairs may let Kent stay inside for a loooong time to make up for defaulting on that property.