Editing Kent Hovind

{{wikipedia}}
{{Infobox Biography
| subject_name   = Kent Hovind
| image_name     = Kent Hovind.jpg
| image_size     = 200px
| image_caption  =
| date_of_birth  = [[January 15]], [[1953]]
| place_of_birth =
| date_of_death  =
| place_of_death =
| residence      = [[Pensacola Federal Prison Camp]]
| occupation     = Evangelist
| spouse         = [[Jo Hovind]]
| parents        =
| children       = Kent Andrew Hovind, [[Eric Hovind]], Marlissa Jewell
}}
'''Kent E. Hovind ''' (born [[January 15]], [[1953]]) is an American evangelist and prominent Young Earth creationist who is serving a ten-year term in U.S. federal prison for 58 tax offenses, obstructing federal agents and related charges. He goes by the nickname '''Dr. Dino''' and established the [[Creation Science Evangelism Ministry]] in 1989 <ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail  | accessdate = }}</ref> and, prior to his incarceration, spoke frequently in private schools, churches, university debates and on radio and television broadcasts arguing for young earth creationism. Hovind is currently incarcerated at the [[Pensacola Federal Prison Camp]] at [[Saufley Field]].[http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=Hovind&Middle=&FirstName=Kent&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=19&y=12]

== Biography ==
On [[February 9]], [[1969]], Hovind converted to Christianity. He holds three degrees in Christian education from unaccredited institutions of higher learning, and is married with three adult children and four grandchildren. His son, [[Eric Hovind]], travels doing creationist presentations and debates with the elder's arguments.

Starting in 1975 Hovind became an assistant pastor and teacher at three private Baptist schools.<ref name="affidavit1998"> [http://205.152.130.14/or_1b.asp?uinstr=2005406964 Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court Affidavit 08/10/2005] A court affidavit Hovind presented containing his biography. Note: Teachers at public schools must have an accredited degree and a state teaching license, but this is not always required for religious schools. </ref> Then in the 1980s he opened a Baptist school and church at which he taught and pastored.<ref name="affidavit1998" /> Hovind has no teaching credentials or academic degrees from accredited universities in the subjects he taught. In [[1989]], Hovind started his Creation Science Evangelism with no academic background in science.<ref name="HovindFAQ">{{cite news | url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/ | title=Kent Hovind FAQs | publisher=[[talk.origins]] | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref>

When the internet came into the mainstream Hovind created his "Dr. Dino" web site and began producing articles and information as well as selling his own products &mdash; video tapes, books, fossil replicas, etc. &mdash; to a mass market. On a portion of his website, it states, "None of the materials produced by Creation Science Evangelism are copyrighted," but on the same webpage, at the bottom, it states "ALL MATERIAL (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) IS COPYRIGHT © 2007 CSE MINISTRY" (caps in original).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=68| title=About Creation Science Evangelism|publisher=Creation Science Evangelism/DrDino.com | date=2006 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-01-04}}</ref> Moreover as for his products, each webpage at his online store reads "ALL MATERIAL (UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED) IS COPYRIGHT © 2005 CSE MINISTRY" (caps in original).<ref>{{cite news | url=http://shopping.drdino.com/view_item.php?id=447DVD| title=Creation Science Evangelism Online Store |publisher=Creation Science Evangelism/DrDino.com | date=2005 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-03-15}}</ref> Hovind formerly spoke at hundreds of churches, schools, and other venues each year and he has been a featured speaker at many of the Steeling the Mind Bible Conferences. He also hosted a daily radio talk show and has established [[Dinosaur Adventure Land]] on [[Old Palafox Street]] in Pensacola. Hovind derives "substantial revenue" from these activities that appears to be "income to [him] personally."<ref name="TCM2006-143">''Hovind v. Commissioner'', T.C. Memo 2006-143, CCH Dec. 56,562(M) (2006).[http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/InOpHistoric/Hovind.TCM.WPD.pdf]</ref> According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Hovind "has made deposits to bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year."<ref name="investigated">{{cite news | url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.shtml | title=Biblical theme park's finances investigated|publisher=[[St. Petersburg Times]] | date=April 18, 2004 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref>

==Education==
In 1971 he graduated from East Peoria High School in East Peoria, Illinois. From 1972 until 1974, Hovind attended Midwestern Baptist College and received a Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.).<ref name="affidavit1998" /> In 1988 and 1991 respectively, Hovind was awarded a master's degree and doctorate in Christian Education through correspondence from Patriot University (now Patriot Bible University) in Colorado.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://web.archive.org/web/20010816220051/http:/www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc13.jsp | title=Where did you get your degree? |publisher=DrDino.com (archived) | date=Aug 16, 2001 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | accessdate = 2007-02-24}}</ref>

==Creation Science Evangelism Ministry==
:''Main article: [[Creation Science Evangelism Ministry]]''
After receiving his first correspondence education degree, Hovind started [[Creation Science Evangelism Ministry]] in [[1989]]. The ministry aims to evangelize people by teaching them a creationist perspective. Hovind reportedly earns $50,000 a year with speaking engagements and, in 2002 alone, the ministry sold more than $1.8 million in Christian merchandise.<ref>{{cite news | url=  | title=IRS agent testifies in Hovind trial, Case could go to jury Thursday | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= October 31, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}</ref> This ministry does not have the proper licensing nor is it registered as a nonprofit, which resulted in legal troubles mentioned below.

==Dinosaur Adventure Land==
:''Main article: [[Dinosaur Adventure Land]]''
In [[2001]] Hovind started [[Dinosaur Adventure Land]], a young earth creationist theme park on [[Old Palafox Street]] near [[Pensacola Christian Academy]], behind Hovind's home. The park depicts humans and dinosaurs co-existing in the last 4,000-6,000 years and also contains a depiction of the Loch Ness monster. The park does not explore "the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras," but rather "depicts dinosaurs as coexisting with human beings."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.momentmag.com/features/oct05/slifkin.html | title=The Heresy of Nosson Slifkin| publisher=Moment Magazine | date=  | first=Jennie | last=Rothenberg | accessdate = 2007-01-10}}</ref> In 2004 the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry visited Hovind's dinosaur theme park and claimed the "park" is deceptive and purposely misleads visitors.<ref name="CSICOP">{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-11/hovind.html  | title=A Journey to Hovind's Dinosaur Adventure Land| publisher=Skeptical Inquirer | date= November 2004 | first=Greg| last=Martinez | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref> The Southern Poverty Law Center noted the park also "claims that a few small dinosaurs still roam the planet."<ref name="SPLCenter2004">{{cite news | url=http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=485 | title=When Giants Roamed: A Florida theme park sells creationism — with an antigovernment twist| publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center | date= Summer 2004 | first=Camille| last=Jackson | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref> The venture has encountered legal issues, as the owners failed to acquire a building permit for the park (see below).  

According to the IRS, Hovind's theme park and merchandise sales earned more than $5 million from 1999 to March 2004.<ref name="begins">{{cite news | url=  | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail  | accessdate = }}</ref> About half that income went to employees who were salaried or were paid hourly wages that worked set hours and signed up for vacations and sick leave. The government believes that grew to the point of earning $2 million a year.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.D didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= November 3, 2006  | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref>

== Legal problems ==
[[Image:Kent_Hovind_Booking_Photo.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Recent photo of Kent Hovind when he was booked into [[Escambia County Jail]] on [[November 2]]nd, [[2006]]]]
Kent Hovind has had several contacts with law enforcement, including charges of assault and battery, falsely declaring bankruptcy, making threats against federal officials, filing false complaints, failing to get necessary building permits, and various tax-related charges. He has been convicted of federal tax and related charges and is currently serving a 10-year sentence for these.

=== Assault and battery ===
In [[2002]], he was charged with one count of felony assault, one count of misdemeanor battery, and one count of burglary with assault/battery.<ref name="case004020">[http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id=12619523 Case Number  2002 CF 004020 A]</ref> In December 2002, the charges were dropped by the alleged victim, Hovind's secretary.<ref name="CSICOP"> E-mail correspondence between the alleged victim and Hovind is widely available along with the alleged victim's reasons for dropping the charges due to the "physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially draining" situation.<ref name="assault">See: [http://www.kent-hovind.com/ "Was it Assault and Battery?"]</ref>

=== Property taxes and zoning ordinance ===
Hovind was charged on [[September 13]], [[2002]], for failure to observe county zoning regulations with respect to Dinosaur Adventure Land.<ref name="CSICOP" /> Despite arguments that the owners did not need a permit due to the nature of the building, the park has been found in violation of local regulations.<ref>{{cite news|url= |date=[[2006-04-07]]|publisher=Pensacola News Journal|last=Rabb|first=William|title=Park could face extinction: Lack of building permits closes dinosaur museum}}</ref> On [[June 5]], [[2006]], Hovind pled ''[[nolo contendere]]'' as charged to three counts: constructing a building without a permit, refusing to sign a citation (Case # 2001 MM 023489 A)<ref>Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court [http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id=62294168 Courtviewer Records Search of Kent Hovind] Case #2001 MM 023489 A</ref> and violating the county building code (Case # 2002 MM 026670 A).<ref>Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court [http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id=31271238 Courtviewer Records Search of Kent Hovind]  Case #2002 MM 026670 A</ref>  Hovind was ordered to pay $225.00 per count. The plea brought to an end the 5-year criminal (misdemeanor) court battle over a $50.00 building permit. In June 2006 Hovind complied with the county law (Case # 2001 MM 023489 A).<ref>Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court [http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id=62294168 Courtviewer Records Search of Kent Hovind] 2001 MM 023489 A</ref>  Hovind estimates he spent $40,000 in legal expenses on this case.  On [[June 19]], [[2006]], the delinquent 2003-2005 property taxes/penalties for Dinosaur Adventure Land were paid in the amount of $10,402.64.

===Federal civil tax matters, bankruptcy, and renouncing citizenship===
Hovind's Creation Science Evangelism ministry is not listed as a tax-exempt Code Section 501(c)(3) charitable, educational or religious organization by the Internal Revenue Service<ref>[http://apps.irs.gov/app/pub78 irs.gov] Search for Charities</ref> nor is it considered a church by people who work there.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Workers testify in 'Dr. Dino' trial| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= October 19, 2006 | first=Amy| last=Sowder  | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=  | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail  | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref> Instead, Hovind's various educational and religious activities are run through an organizational structure which, according to the United States Tax Court, appears to be "based on various questionable trust documents purchased from Glen Stoll, a known promoter of tax avoidance schemes."<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> The Tax Court has concluded that Hovind used these trust documents as well as other fraudulent means to conceal the ownership and control of his activities and properties.<ref name="TCM2006-143" />

Hovind was originally reported to the IRS by [[Pensacola Christian College]] senior vice president [[Rebekah Horton]] in the mid 1990s, after she learned of Hovind's anti-tax stand.  "'We know the Scriptures do not promote (tax evasion),'" Horton said in testimony against Hovind during his 2006 trial, "'It's against Scripture teaching'.... Horton believed it was the college's duty to report the misleading doctrine. 'I didn't want to see innocent people get led astray,' she said.  Pensacola Christian College then decided its students no longer were permitted to work with Creation Science Evangelism".<ref>{{cite news | url=  | title=Christian College leader says taxes are part of religion: Hovind argues God's workers are exempt| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 20, 2006 | first=Angela| last=Fail  | accessdate =}}</ref>

In 1996 Hovind unsuccessfully filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying federal income taxes. Hovind was found to have lied about his possessions and income.<ref>The Hovind Bankruptcy Decision [http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind-decision.html www.talkorigins.com]</ref> He claimed that as a minister of God everything he owns belonged to God and he is not subject to paying taxes to the United States on the money he received for doing God's work.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/?articleID=4329 | title=Screw the Taxman: The Weird Ideas of Tax Cheaters | publisher=Digital Journal | date= Dec 15, 2005  | first=Mike | last=Drach  | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> The court ordered him to pay the money and upheld the IRS's determination that Hovind's claim "was filed in bad faith for the sole purpose of avoiding payment of federal income taxes." In the ruling, the judge called Hovind's arguments "patently absurd." The judge also noted that "the IRS has no record of the debtor ever having filed a federal income tax return," although this was not the court's reason for denying the bankruptcy claim.

On [[May 13]], [[1998]], Hovind and his wife attempted to evade responsibility for any promises, debts, or legal agreements made prior to [[April 15]], [[1998]], by filing a document called "Power of Attorney and Revocation of Signature"<ref name="PowerofAttorney">Escambia County, Florida Clerks Office May 5, 1998 [http://205.152.130.14/or_1b.asp?uinstr=1998483189]</ref> with the [Escambia County Clerk of Courts]]. The document reads, in part: "I/we do hereby revoke and make void... all signatures on any instruments...". The Hovinds claimed they had signed government documents "due to the use of various elements of fraud and misrepresentations, duress, coercion, under perjury, mistake, 'bankruptcy'."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" />

In the document, the Hovinds argue that Social Security is essentially a "Ponzi scheme."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> The Hovinds referred to the United States Government as "the 'bankrupt' corporate government" and said they were renouncing their United States citizenship and Social Security numbers to become "a natural citizen of 'America' and a natural sojourner."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> In 2002 Hovind was again delinquent in paying his taxes, and unsuccessfully sued the IRS for harassment.<ref name="pleads">{{cite news | url= | title=Park owner pleads not guilty to tax fraud: Evangelist says he's owned by God| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 18 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}</ref> The Hovinds referred to their home state of Florida as "the State of Florida Body-Politic Corporation."<ref name="PowerofAttorney" /> Judges and the IRS did not appear to honor this as a legally relevant document in future decisions.<ref name="pleads" />

In 2004, IRS agents raided Hovind's home and business to confiscate financial records.<ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/116/11.0.html IRS Raids Home and Business of Creationist] ''Christianity Today'' April 19, 2004</ref> IRS agent Scott Schneider said Hovind's businesses had neither business licenses nor tax-exempt status. The Associated Press quoted Schneider as saying "Since 1997, Hovind has engaged in financial transactions indicating sources of income and has made deposits to bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year during some of these years, which would require the filing of federal income taxes."<ref>[http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.shtml Biblical theme park's finances investigated] ''Associated Press'' April 18, 2004</ref> On [[June 3]], [[2004]], the IRS filed notices of Federal tax liens of $504,957.24 against Hovind and his son and their businesses due to previous legal maneuverings to evade taxation by moving property between himself, his son, and other legal entities.<ref name="taxliens">For a listing of liens search the [http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ Escambia County Clerk] by last name.</ref>  

On [[July 7]], [[2006]], the United States Tax Court (Docket number 011894-05L) found that Hovind was deficient in paying his federal income taxes in tax years 1995-97 in the amount of $504,957.24.<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> The Tax Court ruled that the IRS had a valid, perfected lien on Hovind's property in that amount. The IRS is currently levying against Hovind's property to satisfy his unpaid tax liabilities.<ref name="TCM2006-143" /> In the Memorandum Opinion the judge noted that Hovind's defense was based on "bizarre arguments" and "some of which constitute tax protester arguments involving excise taxes and the alleged '100% voluntary' nature of the income tax."<ref name="TCM2006-143" />

===Federal criminal tax-related convictions in 2006===
On [[July 11]], [[2006]], Hovind was charged in the [[United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida]] in Pensacola with twelve counts of willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over Federal income taxes and FICA taxes under {{usc|26|7202}}, forty-five counts of knowingly structuring transactions in Federally-insured financial institutions to evade the reporting requirements of {{usc|31|5313(a)}}, in violation of {{usc|31|5324}}, {{usc|18|2}} and 31 C.F.R. sec. 103.11, and one count of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws under {{usc|26|7212}}.<ref>Indictment, ''United States of America v. Kent E. Hovind and Jo D. Hovind'', U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division, case no. 3:06CR83/MCR (dated July 11, 2006; filed at 12:55 pm, July 11, 2006) (hereinafter "Indictment").</ref><ref name="arrested">{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist arrested on federal charges | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= 14 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}</ref> Twelve of the charges were for failing to pay employee-related taxes, totaling $473,818, and 45 of the charges were for evading reporting requirements by making multiple cash withdrawals just under the $10,000 reporting requirement (a technique known as "smurfing"). The withdrawals, totaling $430,500, were made in 2001 and 2002.<ref name="arrested" />

The government charged that Hovind falsely listed the IRS as his only creditor in his bankruptcy, filed a false and frivolous lawsuit against the IRS in which he demanded damages for criminal trespass, made threats of harm to those investigating him and to those who might consider cooperating with the investigation, filed a false complaint against IRS agents investigating him, filed a false criminal complaint against IRS special agents (criminal investigators), and destroyed records.<ref>Indictment, page 8 (July 11, 2006).</ref>

After the indictment, Hovind maintained his innocence. "I still don't understand what I'm being charged for and who is charging me," he said.<ref name="arrested" /> Magistrate Miles Davis asked Hovind if he wrote and spoke English, to which Hovind responded "To some degree". Davis replied that the government adequately explained the allegations and the defendant understands the charges "whether you want to admit it or not."<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Creationist's fight with Uncle Sam may evolve into painful defeat| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 19 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }} </ref> An [[October 17]] trial date (originally [[September 5]]) was set for Kent Hovind and his co-defendant wife, Jo, who faced 44 charges.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial postponed| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 1 September 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}</ref> Hovind stated that he did not recognize the government's right to try him on tax-fraud charges. At first he attempted to enter a plea of "subornation of false muster," but then entered a not guilty plea "under duress" when the judge offered to enter a plea for him.<ref name="pleads" />

At the time of the arrest, Magistrate Davis, "over Kent Hovind's protests[,] ... took away his passport and [the] guns Hovind claimed belonged to his church...." Hovind argued that he needed his passport to continue his evangelism work. He said "thousands and thousands" were waiting to hear him preach in South Africa the following month. But Davis sided with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heldmyer, who argued that "like-minded people" might secret Hovind away if he left the country. In relation to the guns, Davis said "ownership was not the issue.".<ref name="arrested" />  Because of reports of weapons on the Hovind property, the indictment was originally sealed for fear that "the arrest of the defendants in this case could pose some danger to agents."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/news/2006/FL/470_kent_hovind_arrested_on_federa_7_14_2006.asp | title=Kent Hovind arrested on federal charges | publisher=National Center for Science Education | date= July 14, 2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref>  More than a half-dozen guns were seized at the Hovind's home, including an SKS semiautomatic rifle.<ref name="detailedactions">{{cite news|url= |title=Lawyer: Hovind detailed actions: Evangelist said he 'beat the system' |author=Michael Stewart |pub=Pensacola News Journal |date= 21 October 2006 |accessdate = 2006-10-26}}</ref> Also "During an IRS raid at the home, agents found cash stashed 'all over the place.' About $42,000 was seized."<ref name="detailedactions" />

It was revealed during the trial that Jo Hovind had requested financial assistance from [[Baptist Healthcare]] claiming that the Hovinds had no income.  "'Dr. and Mrs. Kent Hovind do not earn salaries,' wrote [[Martha Harris]], the trust secretary of Creation Science Evangelism to Baptist Healthcare. 'As health insurance is not provided for this couple, we would appreciate (financial assistance).'"<ref>[http://www.religionnewsblog.com/16426/kent-and-jo-hovind-deny-having-income Kent and Jo Hovind deny having income]</ref>  However, continues the article "Kent Hovind, a tax protester, makes a substantial amount of money" [[Kent Hovind#Creation Science Evangelism Ministry|see above]].  "On the day the IRS searched the Hovind home, Kent Hovind withdrew $70,000 from the Creation Science Evangelism account. Half in a check; the other in cash.<ref>{{cite news | url=| title='Dr. Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= November 2, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}</ref>

At the time of the indictment, Hovind's defense appeared to be that although there were 30 people working for him, all of whom received remuneration in cash, none of them were employees. According to Hovind, "Nobody's an employee, and they all know that when they come. They come, they work ... The laborer is worthy of his hire -- we try to take the purely scriptural approach. We do the best we can with helping people with their family needs. There are no employees here."<ref name = "noemp">{{cite news | url=http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/7/212006b.asp  | title=Tax-Evasion Charges Baseless, Says Ministry Leader | publisher=AgapePress | date= July 21, 2006 | first=Jim | last=Brown  | accessdate = 2006-12-18}}</ref>   Hovind had also claimed that he was not liable for taxes that and his ministry did not have to "render unto Caesar" because his workers are "missionaries" not "employees".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.wdcmedia.com/newsArticle.php?ID=1514  | title=Tax Evasion Charges Baseless Says Ministry Leader  | publisher=WDC Media News | date= 7 July 2006   | first= | last=  | accessdate = 2006-10-18}}</ref>

On [[October 21]], [[2006]], the trial began in which he hoped to convince a jury that his amusement park admission and merchandise sales belonged to God and cannot be taxed.<ref>{{cite news | url=  | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail  | accessdate = }}</ref> After the first week of testimony the trial was postponed due to a defense lawyer's illness.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hovind trial resumes Monday| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 25 October 2006 | first=| last=Staff  | accessdate = }}</ref> Former and current workers, IRS agents, a bank employee, and a lawyer of a non-profit Christian organization testified in the trial. Workers testified that they had to punch time cards, had vacation and sick days; while others testified Hovind claimed he had "beat" the tax system.<ref>{{cite news | url=  | title=Lawyer: Hovind detailed actions: Evangelist said he 'beat the system' | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 21, 2006  | first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}</ref>  During the trial, the judge "admonished" Hovind's attorney for wasting time and asking irrelevant questions.<ref>{{cite news | url=  | title=Judge admonishes Hovind attorney | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 1, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate =}}</ref>

The trial concluded on November 1 with the defense deciding not to present a case.<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Prosecutors rest case against Hovind | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 1, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> After closing arguments were presented on [[November 2]], the jury deliberated three hours before finding the Hovinds guilty on all counts, 58 for Hovind and 44 for his wife.<ref>{{cite news | url=| title='Dr. Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 2, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}</ref> The ''[[Pensacola News Journal]]'' noted, "The saddest thing: Had they cooperated with the agents, they probably wouldn't be worrying about prison sentences now."<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.D didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 3, 2006  | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate = }}</ref>  

Hovind was sentenced on [[January 19]], [[2007]] to ten years in prison and ordered to pay the federal government restitution of over $600,000. After his prison term finishes, he will have to serve another three years of probation. A tearful Hovind had hoped to avoid prison, telling the court, "If it's just money the IRS wants, there are thousands of people out there who will help pay the money they want so I can go back out there and preach."<ref name="sentencing">{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/NEWS01/701190332/1006  | title=10 years for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 19 January 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</ref>

Hovind's teary-eyed court room behavior was in stark contrast to phone calls he made while in jail.<ref name="Decade">{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/NEWS01/701200319/1006  | title=A decade for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 20 January 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</ref>  One conversation with Eric Hovind, Kent Hovind's son, showed the two plotted to hide a motor vehicle title and property deeds to prevent the government from collecting the property to pay for owed debt.<ref name="jailcalls">{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/VIDEO/70119009/1006 | title=Kent Hovind Jail Calls|publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date=January 21, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}}</ref>

A [[February 28]], [[2007]] hearing was held so that the court could consider, among other things, certain contentions by Hovind regarding his convictions for structuring transactions (cash withdrawals from a bank) to evade currency reporting requirements. Hovind is contending that under the rule in a case called ''United States v. Davenport'',<ref>929 F.2d 1169 (7th Cir. 1991).</ref> the crime is not the individual withdrawals, but is instead the total transaction, also known as the "unit of the crime." Hovind is contending that in his case there was no "unit of the crime" "separate and distinct from the alleged act of withdrawing, and without such a separate amount to be structured [. . .] there could be no crime alleged, and no conviction on any charge in Counts 13 through 57."<ref>Motion [by defendant Jo D. Hovind] to Reconsider Order Denying Motion for Judgment of Acquittal, Jan. 26, 2007, docket entry 153, ''United States of America v. Kent E. Hovind'', case no. 3:06cr83-001/MCR, United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Pensacola Division.</ref> If the convictions on Counts 13 through 57 were to be thrown out (or, more specifically, if the conviction on count 57 alone were to be thrown out), and considering the remaining convictions on the other counts, the effect could be to reduce Hovind's prison sentence from ten years to five years. The parties are awaiting a court decision on this matter.  On [[June 29]], [[2007]], Hovind's wife [[Jo Hovind|Jo]] was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070629/NEWS01/70629014/1006  | title='Mrs. Dino' gets prison| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= June, 29, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-06-29}}</ref>

==Controversial remarks==

Hovind has made controversial remarks regarding conspiracies, science, creation, equal rights, religion and government over the years. Hovind considers the King James Version of the Bible to be the inerrant word of God that must be taken literally. Because of this, he believes all findings of science will eventually be found to agree with Scripture &mdash; which he claims is ''a priori'' known to be true. He claims that evolutionists also have ''a priori'' assumptions, namely that God does not exist (or at least not one that performed special Creation), thereby distorting their own application of science.<ref> {{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=4 | title=Evolution and Christianity Mix like Oil and Water |publisher=DrDino.com | date=2005 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> <ref>"their position that the King James Bible contains errors and that God's Word can only be found in "originals" which no longer exist is both tragic and unacceptable to me."{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=52 |title= Who was Cainan? |publisher=DrDino.com | date=2005 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-3-03}}</ref>
<ref>"as in all cases, the King James Bible provides the best translation"{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=52 |title= The Pitch of Noah's Ark |publisher=DrDino.com | date=|  first=John | last=Hinton | accessdate =2007-3-03}}</ref>
Hovind maintains that biology textbooks are lying and advocates simply taking evolution out of the textbooks because he considers evolution to be a religion.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=67&kws=250,000 | title=Hovind's $250,000 Offer| publisher=Drdino.com | date= 2006 | first=Kent| last=Hovind  | accessdate = 2006-10-20}}</ref> He has said, "I'm not trying to get evolution out of the textbooks, nor am I trying to get creationism into the textbooks. What I'm trying to do is get the lies out of the textbooks."<ref>http://www.drdino.com video tape #3.</ref>

Hovind has several conspiracy theories about the U.S. government. For example, he believes that the once-widely touted (but since discredited) cancer cure Laetrile actually works and teaches that the US government is conspiring to suppress a cure for cancer.<ref name="CSICOP" /> On his radio program that he claims the U.S. government was behind the 9/11 attacks and that a "lot of folks were told not to come to work."<ref name="antisemitism">{{cite news | url=http://www.kent-hovind.com/articles/semite.htm | title=Kent Hovind: Semitic Semantics |publisher=Kent-Hovind.com | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-12-14}}</ref> He attributes this belief to the films ''911 In Plane Site'' and ''Loose Change.'' He also believes the Oklahoma City bombing was carried out by the government. "Did you know the Federal Government blew up their own building to blame it on the militias and to get rid of some people that weren't cooperating with the system?"<ref name="Hovindconspiracy">{{cite news | url=http://www.kent-hovind.com/quotes/conspiracy.htm | title=Kent Hovind: Quacky Quotes|publisher= | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> He also alleges that "UFOs are apparitions of Satan" and that the US government possesses UFOs.<ref name="Hovindconspiracy" /> Additionally, Hovind believes that the Federal Reserve, the Council on Foreign Relations, the United Nations, and various other groups are actively planning to create a one-world government and that the 1993 World Trade Center attack was staged by the US Government in order to pass "anti-terrorism" legislation that restricts civil liberties.  He says, "I love my country, but fear my government. And you should too."<ref> [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5240112600444883198&q=kent+hovind+new+world+order&hl=en Hovind's New World Order (Google video)]</ref>

Hovind disregards all fossil evidence, claiming "no fossils can count as evidence for evolution," because "all we know about that animal is that it died," and we do not know that it "had any kids, much less different kids."<ref> [http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2006/02/mike-shermerkent-hovind.html Hovind vs Shermer Debate]</ref> During a debate with Farrell Till, Hovind made the following claim about Donald Johanson: "[He] found the leg bones of Lucy a mile and a half away from the head bones. The leg bones were 200 feet deeper in a deeper layer of strata. I would like to know how fast the train was going that hit that chimpanzee."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reall.org/newsletter/v02/n03/ | title=On the Till-Hovind Debate |publisher=The Real News | date=March 1994 | first=Karen | last=Bartelt | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> According to Donald Johanson, this is false, and although Hovind has been informed of this, he continues to make the claim.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/knee-joint.html | title=A Case Study in Creationists' Willingness to Admit Their Errors |publisher=talk.origins | date=June 12, 2003 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-11-04}}</ref> He also claims the Grand Canyon was not created through gradual geologic processes but rather by the Great Flood as narrated in the Old Testament.

==Trivia==	 

*In 2004, Hovind was interviewed on ''Da Ali G Show'', in an episode titled "Science" from the first season of the show's U.S. run on HBO.  "Ali G", played by comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, told Hovind that the fact that Hovind ate bananas proved that he was descended from monkeys and accused him of failing to flush a backstage toilet.[http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie.aspx?m=546391]  
*Hovind's ideas on evolution, and science in general, have been published in Chick Tracts, comic strips intended to convert people to Fundamentalist Christianity.<ref>Chick Tracts: [http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0055/0055_01.asp Big Daddy?]</ref><ref>Chick Tracts: [http://www.chick.com/bc/2000/dinosaurs.asp Author Claims Some Dinosaurs Live Today!]</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{refbegin|2}}
=== Official Hovind and Pro-Hovind===
*[http://www.drdino.com/ Dr Dino] - Hovind's official website
*[http://www.cseblogs.com CSE Blogs] - Hovind's official blog
*[http://www.dinosauradventureland.com/ Dinosaur Adventure Land] - Hovind's YEC-theme park website
*[http://www.truthradio.com Truth Radio] - Hovind's radio program (The Creation Science Hour), hosted by Truth Radio

=== Creationist but critical of Hovind ===
*[http://www.answersincreation.org/kent_hovind.htm Rebuttals to the works of Kent Hovind] by [[Answers In Creation]]
* [http://www.christiangeology.com/dr_dino_debate.html Point-by-Point Rebuttal of Dr. Dino's Critique] of the "[[Gap Theory]]" of Genesis Creationism at Christian Geology website
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20050313064211/http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp  Maintaining Creationist Integrity: A response to Kent Hovind], by Answers in Genesis archived at web.archive.org.
* [http://www.answersingenesis.org/news/ross_hovind_analysis.asp Ross&ndash;Hovind Debate, John Ankerberg Show, October 2000; Analysis] by Jonathan Sarfati of[Answers in Genesis.

=== Critical of creationism and Hovind ===
*[http://kent-hovind.com/ Analysis of Kent Hovind] Includes a section on Hovind's relationship with Chick Publishing and responses to the $250,000 Challenge.
*[http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/articles/2148_unmasking_the_false_prophet_of_9_1_1999.asp Unmasking the False Prophet of Creationism] by Barbara Forrest. September 1999.   
*[http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/rncse_content/vol24/620_then_a_miracle_occurs_12_30_1899.asp A Miracle Occurs] by Michael Shermer
*[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/ Kent Hovind FAQs] from TalkOrigins
*[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/howgood.html How Good Are Those Young-Earth Arguments?] a detailed critique by Dave E. Matson
*[http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/kent_hovind_page.htm The Kent Hovind Page] by John Stear
*{{cite news | url=http://ne-plus-ultra.net/pubs/kisby_hovindarticle_rev2.pdf | title=Doubting Dr. Dino: Kent Hovind's $250,000 Challenge Met| publisher=Skeptic | date= Vol. 12, No. 1 | first=Adam| last=Kisby | accessdate = 2006-10-19}}
*[http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=485 When Giants Roamed] by the Southern Poverty Law Center (2004)
*[http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/bartelt_dissertation_on_hovind_thesis.htm An Academic Review of Hovind's Dissertation] by Karen Bartelt, Ph.D
*{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-11/hovind.html  | title=A Journey to Hovind's Dinosaur Adventure Land| publisher=Skeptical Inquirer | date= November 2004 | first=Greg| last=Martinez | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2005-03/hovind.html | title='Stupid Dino Tricks': A Reply to Hovind's Web Response| publisher=Skeptical Inquirer | date= March 2005 | first=Greg| last=Martinez | accessdate = }}
*[http://www.bibleandscience.com/otherviews/hovind.htm Other views: Kent Hovind]
*[http://www.math.dartmouth.edu/~aquishix/Hovind/ Jared Hoag vs. Kent Hovind] mp3s hosted by Dartmouth

=== Court records ===
* [http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind-decision.html Hovind bankruptcy decision] (1996)
* [http://205.152.130.14/or_1b.asp?uinstr=2005406964 Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court Affidavit (August 10, 2005)] A court affidavit Hovind presented containing his biography.
* [http://web.archive.org/web/19991115015837/www.teleport.com/~mrbswb/casemonth.html Hovind, 197 B.R. 157 (Bankr. N.D. Fla. 1996)] - A description of the 1996 seizure of property
* [http://groups-beta.google.com/group/talk.origins/msg/f8326b5d20c18392 Kent Hovind v Scott Schneider] (2002)
* [http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/InOpHistoric/Hovind.TCM.WPD.pdf US Tax Court: Hovind v. Commissioner Internal Revenue  Memo Opinion] (July 6, 2006)
* [http://www.richardsayshome.com/fileListing.php Various documents provided from Richardsayshome.com], which  some believe is run by Hovind.[http://www.kent-hovind.com/articles/shills.htm]
* [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/HovindIndictment.pdf United States of America v Kent Hovind and Jo Hovind] (July 2006)
* [http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ Escambia County (Pensacola, Florida) Clerk of Courts] &ndash; Court database
* [http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/VIDEO/70119009/1006 Kent Hovind jail calls] excerpts of between 80 and 90 hours of taped phone conversations by Hovind used by prosecutors as evidence.

=== Media sources ===
*{{cite news | url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.shtml  | title=Biblical theme park's finances investigated: Dr. Dino owes taxes dating back to 1997 | publisher=St. Petersburg Times | date= April 18, 2004   | first= | last=  | accessdate = 2006-12-18}}
*{{cite news | url=  | title=Park could face extinction: Lack of building permits closes dinosaur museum | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 7 April 2006   | first=William | last=Rabb  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url=  | title=Evangelist arrested on federal charges | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 14 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Park owner pleads not guilty to tax fraud: Evangelist says he's owned by God| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 18 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate =}}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Creationist's fight with Uncle Sam may evolve into painful defeat| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 19 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate =}}
*{{cite news | url=  | title=Lift restrictions, evangelist asks| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 21 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=No travel for evangelist, judge says| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 28 July 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial postponed| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 1 September 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url=  | title=Evangelist's trial begins: Dinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Workers testify in 'Dr. Dino' trial| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 19, 2006 | first=Amy| last=Sowder  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url=  | title=Christian College leader says taxes are part of religion: Hovind argues God's workers are exempt| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 20, 2006 | first=Angela| last=Fail  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news|url= |title=Lawyer: Hovind detailed actions: Evangelist said he 'beat the system' |author=Michael Stewart
|pub=Pensacola News Journal |date= 21 October 2006 |accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Hovind trial resumes Monday| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 25 October 2006 | first=| last=Staff  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=IRS agent testifies in Hovind trial, Case could go to jury Thursday | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 31, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Judge admonishes Hovind attorney | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 1, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Prosecutors rest case against Hovind | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 1, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title='Dr. Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 2, 2006  | first=Nicole | last=Lozare  | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.D didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 3, 2006  | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate = }}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=68460  | title=Pensacola Evangelist Who Founded Dinosaur Theme Park Convicted of Tax Fraud| publisher=[[First Coast News]] | date= 6 November 2006| first= | last=  | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070119/NEWS01/701190332/1006  | title=10 years for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 19 January 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/NEWS01/701200319/1006  | title=A decade for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 20 January 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart  | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.fox10tv.com/global/story.asp?s=5965157 | title=Florida evangelist sentenced for tax fraud|publisher=WALA-TV | date=January 20, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070121/NEWS01/701210332 | title=Earth to 'Dr. Dino': Please pay your taxes and start facing reality|publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date=January 21, 2007 | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate =2007-01-21}}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/VIDEO/70119009 | title=Kent Hovind jail calls|publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date=January 20, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}}
*{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070301/NEWS01/703010325/1006  | title=Attorneys for Hovinds seeks acquittal on bank structuring| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= March, 1, 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-03}}
{{refend}}

[[Category:Fundamentalist Christians|Hovind, Kent]]
[[Category:Religious figures|Hovind, Kent]]
[[Category:Scandals]]
[[Category:Tax evaders|Hovind, Kent]]