HOVIND/IRS/Creation

Letter from Eric Hovind Dear Friends, As many of you know, the past several years have been a whirlwind of activity for Creation Science Evangelism and the Hovind family. In November of 2006, my dad, Dr. Hovind, was convicted on three federal charges, and in January of 2007 was sentenced to ten years in federal prison. Despite the bad press, and the many misunderstandings, I am convinced that my dad is totally innocent of the charges brought before him. Currently he has served two and one-half years of his ten-year sentence and is in South Carolina at the Edgefield Prison Camp. My mother was also convicted on one charge, and in July of 2007 was sentenced to one year and a day in prison. However, she was granted a stay request pending the outcome of an appeal. On January 1, 2009, I received the notice that the 11th Circuit upheld every decision made by the district court and now my parents are both imprisoned. We took my mother, Jo, to prison on January 20, to begin serving her sentence. Please pray that God will give her strength as she goes through this difficult time. Our attorneys sought to have the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals reexamine the case because the decision appears to legally conflict with previous Supreme Court rulings. However, the 11th Circuit denied hearing the case any further. This recent decision is a huge disappointment for those who realize the many questions of law involved in the case and who have prayed so fervently for the case to be overturned. This appeal would have provided opportunity to present arguments which could have released Dr. Hovind, dismissed Mrs. Hovind's sentence, and rescinded the confiscation of CSE property. With this most recent decision by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals, the Court has determined that CSE may be forced to forfeit its property to the government. We are currently in litigation concerning this very issue. We are seeking God's direction in this matter, and we pray that these legal problems will not get the best of this vital ministry. I have no interest in fighting legal battles. I just want to win souls. This is why CSE exists, and I hope that you will join us in praying for God's will concerning this situation. One thing we know for sure, God will glorify Himself, regardless of the outcome. For those interested in a more detailed update, we have arranged a series of conference calls. Click here to view the conference call schedule. Despite the legal battles, our team continues to push forward presenting the creation message in a fresh new way. Thank you for your faithful prayers and support! Letter from Dr. Kent Hovind Dear Friends, The 11th Circuit denied our appeal without addressing many issues. Meanwhile, my wife was ordered to report to prison on January 20, 2009 to serve her one-year-and-one-day sentence. Lindsey Springer is gathering money and support to take this case to the Supreme Court. There are several key issues in our case that, if won, could help scores of churches, ministries, and individuals in the future. Meanwhile, the assistant U.S. attorney continues to attempt to seize the ministry property. The government figured that the "damages" our "structuring" caused was $3,500, yet they want to seize $430,000 from me based on Title 21 drug laws! Because I do not have the money, they want to seize and auction off the ministry property! There are nearly twenty-five people living on the premises that would be displaced. Pray for Eric and the church attorney to have wisdom to stop this. The ministry continues to send out DVDs in twenty-nine languages and reports come in every day of saved souls! If I were the devil, I would hate this outreach and try to stop it as well! Like Joseph (Gen. 40:15), Job (Job 2:3; 27:5; 31:6), and Paul (Acts 25:10), I continue to maintain my innocence and integrity. God will be the final Judge (see Hebrews 9:27)! Be ready for that day! My prison life is easy compared to many in the Bible and in Muslim and communist countries today. I am safe, rested, and in shape, and I have lots of time to read, write, and witness. Of the 490 men here probably one hundred are active in Christian studies and services. Frequently Asked Questions 1. Q: Where are Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Dr. Hovind is being held at a minimum security prison camp in Edgefield, South Carolina. He has been there for the past eighteen months of his incarceration. Jo Hovind is being held at a minimum security prison camp in Marianna, Florida. 2. Q: What were the accusations against Dr. Hovind and what was his defense? A: 1. Failure to withhold employee-related taxes: Explanation: From the start of the ministry, Dr. Hovind sought legal counsel on the proper way to compensate those who would serve with him in the ministry. He was told by several attorneys that as a 508 organization, CSE was not required to withhold taxes and that each person serving would be responsible for paying their own income taxes. For seventeen years the ministry operated without incident, and no notice was ever given to CSE or Dr. Hovind that the IRS wanted any changes made on this issue until the day the charges were brought. 2. Structuring cashing transactions in order to evade bank reporting requirements: Explanation: Up until 2003, CSE withdrew cash in order to compensate those who served at CSE. There was no knowledge of bank secrecy laws and never any intention of evading Internal Revenue Service regulations. 3. Threatening and impeding the investigation of a government agency: Explanation: Because Dr. Hovind filed papers questioning actions of the IRS, which was his legal right, he was charged with "impeding" the agency. They also believed he "threatened agents with bodily harm" by praying for those involved on public radio. Click here to read the entire brief to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. 3. Q: When will Dr. Kent Hovind be released? A: Currently scheduled for release on August 11, 2015. 4. Q: What does this mean for the CSE ministry? A: The United States government has placed leins on CSE property as a substitute for payment of fines imposed upon Kent Hovind. Creation Science Evangelism is currently defending its property against such seizure. It continues under the leadership of Dr. Hovind's son, Eric Hovind, and is fully complying with any requests made to them by the IRS. Creation Science Evangelism remains one of the foremost authorities on science and the Bible, reaching countless people with the Gospel through the creation message. 5. Q: What has CSE done to remedy the situation? A: Creation Science Evangelism is fully complying with requests made by the IRS and believes itself to be in good standing. The ministry is using an employee-leasing agency to withhold employee-related taxes and conform to proper tax laws. It is now represented by a firm of certified public accountants to ensure financial accountability. 6. Q: What is the next legal step? A: On February 25, 2009, a final appeal with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta was denied. An agency is being used to raise support for an appeal to the United States Supreme Court. Intentions of this appeal must be filed within ninety days of February 25, 2009. 7. Q: Who is handling the appeal? A: So that CSE can remain true to its mission of creation evangelism, we have appointed an outside agency to handle the appeal. For further information, please contact Lindsey Springer at 1-918-748-5539. 8. Q: What is the expected cost to appeal to the United States Supreme Court? A: We anticipate three stages necessary for a complete appeal. The expected costs associated with each stage is 1. Preparation to go before the Supreme Court - $35,000 by April 25, 2009 2. Briefs for review by the Supreme Court - $65,000 3. Argument at the Supreme Court - $150,000 Please direct futher questions to Lindsey Springer at 1-918-748-5539. 9. Q: How can I help? A: Please consider supporting the appeal to the United States Supreme Court. For more information on how you can be involved, join a conference call by Lindsey Springer at 1-916-233-0500 (pin #6921). 1. Thursday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. CST 2. Saturday, March 7, 6:00 p.m. CST 3. Monday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. CST Please check this Web site for future conference call schedules. 10. Q: How will money be dispersed? A: Only monies indicated for the legal fund will be spent on the legal fund. As always, all other donations to Creation Science Evangelism are used for the spreading of the Gospel through the creation message. In the event that excess money is raised through the legal fund, it will be used by Creation Science Evangelism for the furthering of the creation message. 11. Q: Can I visit Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Unfortunately, visitation is limited to close friends and family only. Please feel free to write and encourage Dr. and Mrs. Hovind at the addresses listed below. 12. Q: Can I write to Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Yes, they love to get encouraging letters and testimonies. Please understand that while every letter is read and appreciated, it may not be possible for Dr. and Mrs. Hovind to send a response to each one. * Kent Hovind #06452-017 FPC Edgefield D-2 PO Box 725 Edgefield, SC 29824 * Jo D Hovind #06453-017 FCI Marianna Satellite Camp PO Box 7006 Marianna, FL 32447 13. Q: What can I send to Dr. and Mrs. Hovind? A: Please limit correspondence to letters and postcards only. Unfortunately, books, CDs, and DVDs are not permissible.