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{{currenteventwikipedia}}[[Image:{{Infobox Biography| subject_name = Kent Hovind| image_name = Kent Hovind.jpg|thumbimage_size = 200px|rightimage_caption =|date_of_birth = [[January 15]], [[1953]]| place_of_birth =| date_of_death =| place_of_death =| residence = [[Escambia County Jail]]| occupation = Evangelist| spouse = [[Jo Hovind]]| parents =| children = Kent Andrew Hovind, [[Eric Hovind]], Marlissa Jewell}}'''Kent E. Hovind ''' (born [[January 15]], [[1953]]) is a Pensacola-based an American evangelist and prominent "Young Earth" creationist who operated the nowis serving a ten-defunct [[Dinosaur Adventure Land]] from his property adjacent to [[Pensacola Christian Academy]]year term in U.S. He famously offered $250federal prison for 58 tax offenses,000 to anyone who can prove that evolution "is the only possible way" the universe obstructing federal agents and life arose, although his numerous critics consider related charges. He goes by the challenge to be spurious because evolutionary theory has nothing to say about how the universe came about or how life began. The self-styled "nickname '''Dr. Dino'''" (whose Ph.D, from an unaccredited university, is in Christian education) and established the [[Creation Science Evangelism Ministry]] in 1989. Hovind now speaks <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, and arguing for young earth creationism. Hovind is currently incarcerated at the subject of controversy and public scrutiny[[Pensacola Federal Prison Camp]] at [[Saufley Field]].[http://www.bop. He is currently charged with 58 federal crimes, including separate counts of making threats against federal officials, filing gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false complaints and tax evasion.&LastName=Hovind&Middle=&FirstName=Kent&Race=U&Sex=U&Age=&x=19&y=12]

Hovind said on On [[February 9]], [[1969]], he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He graduated from East Peoria High School in 1971Hovind converted to Christianity. He claims holds three degrees in Christian education from unaccredited institutions of higher learning. Hovind , and is married and has with three adult children and 4 four grandchildren.<ref>His son, [[http://wwwEric Hovind]], travels doing creationist presentations and debates with the elder's arguments.nndb.com/people/333/000085078/ NNDB profile]</ref>

In Starting in 1975 Hovind started a Baptist Christian school became an assistant pastor and church, teacher at which he taught and pastoredthree 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> Over Then in the years 1980s he has claimed to have been opened a high Baptist school teacher and church at Christian schoolswhich 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 material is copyrighted and he encourages people to copy products, each webpage at his material and distribute it to othersonline 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 speaks | 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 hosts hosted a daily radio talk showand 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'', Tax Court Memorandum Opinion 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 received a bachelor's degree in religious education from attended the unaccredited Midwestern Baptist Collegeand received a Bachelor of Religious Education (B.R.E.).<ref name="affidavit1998" /> In 1988 and 1991 respectively, Hovind was awarded a mastersmaster's degree and doctorate in "Christian Education" through correspondence from the unaccredited correspondence school 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>

Critics Dr. Barbara Forrest, a critic of intelligent design, wrote that Hovind's lack of academic training makes it impossible to engage him on a professional level.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/articles/2148_unmasking_the_false_prophet_of_9_1_1999.asp | title=Unmasking the False Prophet of Creationism| publisher=[[National Center for Science Education]] | date= September 1, 1999 | first=Forrest| last=Barbara | accessdate = 2007-02-19}}</ref> Specifically, critics of Hovind have charged that Patriot Bible University is a diploma mill, as it has unreasonably low graduation requirements, lack of sufficient faculty or educational standards, and a suspicious tuition scheme, among other issues.<ref name="HovindFAQ" /> The college posts a FAQ that states that accreditation of Bible colleges, seminaries, or universities is "voluntary".<ref>[http://patriotuniversity.com/accreditation.htm "Frequently Asked Questions about Accreditation"], Patriot Bible University</ref> The school's current policies allow students to attain bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and even "Doctor of Ministry" degrees in months, rather than years, for as little as $25 per month. (The university Currently Patriot offers a monthly fee, unlike most universities, which only charge per-credit fees.<ref>[http://patriotuniversity.com/financial.htm "Financial Information"], Patriot Bible University</ref>) Beginning in 2004 Patriot Bible University was authorized by the [http://web.archive.org/web/20040514192708/http://www.state.co.us/cche/colleges/sem&bible.html State of Colorado Higher Education Commission] to issue ''religious'' degrees. (Hovind received his degree, in ''education'', in 1991.)

Patriot Bible University will not send copies of Hovind's doctoral dissertation except with his permission. <ref name="Bartelt">[http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/bartelt_dissertation_on_hovind_thesis.htm "A Review of Kent Hovind's Thesis by Karen Bartelt, Ph.D."]</ref> Doctoral dissertations are normally published by the associated university and made available to the public, so that other students conducting research in similar areas may use the information in the dissertation as a reference. Although one copy of the dissertation is on file at the National Center for Science Education (NCSE) in Berkeley, CA, NCSE the organization is not able to provide it on request because of copyright and distribution restrictions.{{factFact|date=February 2007}} Various criticisms have been made of his dissertation, including charges of incompleteness, low academic quality, poor writing , poor spelling, and ungrammatical style <ref name="Bartelt"/> <ref>[http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/12/31/8219/5938 "Know Your Creationists: Kent Hovind"], ''Daily Kos'', December 31, 2005</ref> Barbara Forrest, "an outspoken critic of intelligent design," claims that Hovind's lack of scientific training makes it impossible to engage him on a professional level. <ref>[http://www.ncseweb.org/resources/articles/2148_unmasking_the_false_prophet_of_9_1_1999.asp "Unmasking the False Prophet of Creationism"], National Center for Science Education, September 1, 1999</ref> When questioned about his education and qualification, Hovind has claimed that the arguments are ad hominem attacks.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010816220051/http:/www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc13.jsp "Where did you get your degree?"], Q&A by Kent Hovind, via archive.org</ref> The institution where he got his PhD has made similar comments.<ref>[http://www.patriotuniversity.com/PriceOfTruth.htm "The Price of Truth"], Patriot Bible Univeristy</ref>

Various criticisms have been made of his dissertation, including charges of incompleteness, low academic quality, poor writing, poor spelling, and ungrammatical style.<ref name===Dinosaur Adventure Land==={{main|Dinosaur Adventure Land}}"Bartelt"/><ref>[http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/12/31/8219/5938 "Know Your Creationists: Kent Hovind"], ''Daily Kos'', December 31, 2005</ref> When questioned about his education and qualification, Hovind has claimed that the arguments are ad hominem attacks.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20010816220051/http:/www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc13.jsp "Where did you get your degree?"], Q&A by Kent Hovind, via archive.org</ref> Patriot University has issued similar comments.<ref>[http://www.patriotuniversity.com/PriceOfTruth.htm "The Price of Truth"], Patriot Bible University</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 YEC-young earth creationist theme park in on [[Old Palafox Street]] near [[PensacolaChristian Academy]], Floridabehind Hovind's home. The park depicts humans and dinosaurs co-existing in the last 4,000-6-4,000 years with the more recent dinosaurs being 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 the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP), 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], CSICOP in the | publisher=Skeptical Inquirer | date= November 2004 issue of ''Skeptical Inquirer''| 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 rove 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). On July 18  According to the IRS, 2006, the Hovind's theme park was described as and merchandise sales earned more than $5 million from 1999 to March 2004.<ref name="defunct.begins" [http>{{cite news | url= | title=Evangelist's trial begins://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/florida/news-article.aspx?storyidDinosaur Adventure Land owner, wife face 58 counts of tax fraud| publisher=61274[[Pensacola News Journal] However] | date= October 18, as of August 2006, its website indicates | first=Angela | last=Fail | accessdate = }}</ref> About half that income went to employees who were salaried or were paid hourly wages that it is still open, worked set hours and signed up for vacations and Hovind claims sick leave. The government believes that grew to the park is "flooded with visitorspoint of earning $2 million a year." <ref> http://www{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.cseblogs.com/?pD didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=35 , accessed August 21November 3, 2006 | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | accessdate = 2006-11-03}}</ref>

[[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 been in trouble had several contacts with law enforcement several times, 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.

 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"> Email 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>

Hovind was charged on September 13===Federal civil tax matters, 2002bankruptcy, for failure to observe county zoning regulations with respect to Dinosaur Adventure Land.<ref nameand renouncing citizenship==="CSICOP" /> Despite arguments that the owners did Hovind's Creation Science Evangelism ministry is not need listed as a permit due to tax-exempt Code Section 501(c)(3) charitable, educational or religious organization by the nature of the building, Internal Revenue Service<ref>{{cite news|url=[http://wwwapps.pensacolanewsjournalirs.comgov/appsapp/pbcspub78 irs.dllgov] Search for Charities</article?AIDref> nor is it considered a church by people who work there.<ref>{{cite news | url=/20060407/NEWS01/604070340/1006|datetitle=[[2006-04-07]]Workers testify in 'Dr. Dino' trial|publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |lastdate=RabbOctober 19, 2006 |first=WilliamAmy| last=Sowder |titleaccessdate =Park could face extinction: Lack of building permits closes dinosaur museum2006-10-19}}</ref> the park has been found in violation of local regulations. On June 5th 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)[http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id=62294168] and violating the county building code (case # 2002 MM 026670 A)[http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id<ref>{{cite news | url=31271238]. Hovind was ordered to pay $225.00 per count. The plea brings to an end the 5-year criminal (misdemeanor) court battle over a $50.00 building permit. The 4-year civil court battle with the county remains open (Case # 2002 CA 000149)[http://205.152.130.14/cv_web_1b.asp?ucase_id| title=14884303]. Hovind estimates he spent [httpEvangelist's trial begins://www.richardsayshome.com/county/6-Demandtodismiss.doc $40,000]in legal expenses on this case. On June 19th, 2006, the delilquent 2003-2005 property taxes/penalties for Dinosaur Adventure Land were paid in an amount owner, wife face 58 counts of $10tax fraud| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 18,402.64 [http://escambiataxcollector.governmaxa.com/collectmax/tab_collect_payhistV5.4.asp?t_nm2006 | first=Angela | last=collect_mvppay&sidFail | accessdate =FEA33474818B4CF89B9CDBD9E06A85B2].{{fact2006-10-18}} === Tax evasion === </ref> Instead, Hovind does not run his 's various educational and religious activities are run through a U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) organization. Insteadan organizational structure which, according to the organizational structure he uses apparently is 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 U.S. 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" /> In 1996 Hovind unsuccessfully filed for bankruptcy to avoid paying federal income taxes. Hovind was found to have lied about his possessions and income[http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind-decision.html]. 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 (citing US tax code §508(c)(1)(a)) [http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/?articleID=4329]. 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 all responsibility for any previous 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 revoking 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 United States Internal Revenue Service for harassment.<ref name="pleads">[http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060718/NEWS01/607180319/1006 Park owner pleads not guilty to tax fraud: Evangelist says he's owned by God]. ''PensacolaNewsJournal.com'' July, 18, 2006 </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 none of Hovind's businesses had a business license, 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 issued tax liens <ref name="court">[http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ Escambia County Clerk]</ref> of $504,957.24 against Hovind and his son and their businesses. A separate lien was filed for each, due to previous legal maneuverings on the part of the elder Hovind to evade taxation by moving property between himself, his son, and other legal entities.

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 originally reported to the IRS by [[Pensacola Christian College]] senior vice president [[Rebekah Horton]] in the amount mid 1990s, after she learned of $504,957Hovind's anti-tax stand.24 .<ref name= "TCM2006-143" /> The Tax Court found that 'We know the IRS had a validScriptures do not promote (tax evasion), perfected lien on Hovind's property " Horton said in that amount. The IRS is currently levying testimony against Hovindduring his 2006 trial, "'It's property to satisfy his unpaid tax liabilitiesagainst Scripture teaching'.<ref>[http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/asp/IndexLines.asp?LineNo=0021&Info=07%2F11%2F2006OAD+ORDER+%26+DECISION+ENTERED%2C+Judge++Swift%2E+Petr%2E+mot%2E+for+summ%2E+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++B07%2F11%2F2006C]</ref> In the Memorandum Opinion Horton believed it was the judge noted that Hovindcollege's "organizational structure duty to report the misleading doctrine. . . was based on various questionable trust documents purchased from Glen Stoll'I didn't want to see innocent people get led astray, a known promoter of tax avoidance schemes' she said. Pensacola Christian College then decided its students no longer were permitted to work with Creation Science Evangelism".<ref name>{{cite news | url= | title="TCM2006-143" /> Moreover, Christian College leader says taxes are part of religion: Hovindargues God's defense was based on "bizarre arguments" and "some of which constitute tax protestor arguments involving excise taxes and the alleged '100% voluntary' nature of the income tax."workers are exempt| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 20, 2006 | first=Angela| last=Fail | accessdate =}}</ref name="TCM2006-143" />

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= ThreatsScrew the Taxman: The Weird Ideas of Tax Cheaters | publisher=Digital Journal | date= Dec 15, false complaints and criminal tax charges 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 July [[May 13]], 2006[[1998]], Kent Hovind was arrested and indicted in federal court on 58 charges. Of the charges filedhis wife attempted to evade responsibility for any promises, debts, there is one count of corruptly endeavoring or legal agreements made prior to obstruct and impede the due administration of the internal revenue laws[[April 15]], including falsifying bankruptcy documents[[1998]], by filing a false document called "Power of Attorney and frivolous lawsuit and complaints against the IRS, destroying records, and threatening to harm IRS investigators.Revocation of Signature"<ref name="arrestedPowerofAttorney">Escambia County, Florida Clerks Office May 5, 1998 [http://www205.pensacolanewsjournal152.com/apps130.14/pbcsor_1b.dll/articleasp?AIDuinstr=/20060714/NEWS01/607140333/1006 Evangelist arrested on federal charges1998483189] Pensacola News Journal July, 14, 2006</ref> 12 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 charges are for failing to pay employee-related taxesuse of various elements of fraud and misrepresentations, totaling $473duress,818coercion, and 45 charges of evading reporting requirements by making multiple cash withdrawals just under the $10,000 reporting requirement (smurfing). The withdrawalsperjury, totaling $430mistake,500, were placed in 2001 and 2002'bankruptcy'."<ref name="arrestedPowerofAttorney" />

Hovind has maintained his innocence. "I still don't understand what I'm being charged for and who In the document, the Hovinds argue that Social Security is charging me,essentially a " he saidPonzi scheme."<ref name="arrestedPowerofAttorney" /> Magistrate Miles Davis of The Hovinds referred to the [[United States District Court for Government as "the Northern District of Florida]] asked Hovind if he wrote 'bankrupt' corporate government" and said they were renouncing their United States citizenship and spoke English, Social Security numbers to which Hovind responded become "To some degree". Davis replied that the government adequately explained the allegations a natural citizen of 'America' and the defendant understands the charges "whether you want to admit it or nota natural sojourner."<ref>[http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AIDname="PowerofAttorney" /20060719/NEWS01/607190343 Creationist's fight with Uncle Sam may evolve into painful defeat]Pensacola News Journal July, 19, 2006</ref> An October 17th trial date (originally September 5th) has been set for Kent In 2002 Hovind and was again delinquent in paying his co-defendant wifetaxes, Jo, who faces 44 chargesand unsuccessfully sued the IRS for harassment.<ref>[http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AIDname=/20060901/NEWS01/60901002 Evangelist's trial postponed] PensacolaNewsJournal.com September, 1, 2006 </ref> With his attorney, Public Defender Kafahni Nkrumah, 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,pleads" but then entered a not guilty plea "under duress" when the judge offered to enter a plea for him.<ref>[http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID{{cite news | url= | title=/20060718/NEWS01/607180319/1006 Park owner pleads not guilty to tax fraud:Evangelist says he's owned by God] | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 18 July 18, 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.<refname="pleads" />

A portion of Hovind's defense seems to be that although there are 30 people working for himIn 2004, all of whom receive remuneration in cash, none of them are employees. According to IRS agents raided Hovind, "Nobody's an employee, home and they all know that when they come. They come, they work ... The laborer is worthy of his hire -- we try business to take the purely scriptural approach. We do the best we can with helping people with their family needsconfiscate financial records. There are no employees here."<ref name = "noemp">[http://headlineswww.agapepresschristianitytoday.orgcom/archivect/72004/212006b116/11.asp Apparent Defense0.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 also claimed that he is not liable for taxes engaged in financial transactions indicating sources of income and his ministry does not have has made deposits to "render unto Caesar" because it is not working for bank accounts well in excess of $1 million per year during some of these years, which would require the governmentfiling of federal income taxes. "<ref>[http://www.carnahanlawsptimes.com/payroll2004/04/fica18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.html Religious employees liableshtml 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 = "noemptaxliens"/><ref>For a listing of liens search the [http://www4www.lawclerk.cornellco.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_sec_26_00003402----000-escambia.html IRC Section 3402] and [http://www.wdcmediafl.comus/newsArticleEscambia County Clerk] by last name.php?ID=1514 TaxEvasion Charges Baseless Says Ministry Leader ]</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 Theory'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==={{wikinews|Kent Hovind faces a 58-count federal indictment|date=July 21, 2006}}On [[July 11]], [[2006]], Hovind summarizes his highly controversial version 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 argument 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 Creationism into the self titled “Hovind TheoryNorthern 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 Whilst he acknowledges many contributors | accessdate = }}</ref> Twelve of the charges were for failing to his theorypay employee-related taxes, he claims it is so-called that should it be found to be falsetotaling $473,818, that he will personally take and 45 of the charges were for evading reporting requirements by making multiple cash withdrawals just under the blame$10,000 reporting requirement (a technique known as "smurfing").The withdrawals, totaling $430,500, were made in 2001 and 2002.<ref name="arrested" />

Below is an exact transcript from The government charged that Hovind falsely listed the IRS as his only creditor in his uncopyrighted DVDbankruptcy, 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, “Part 6filed a false complaint against IRS agents investigating him, The Hovind Theory” giving filed a summarized account of his hypothesis:false criminal complaint against IRS special agents (criminal investigators), and destroyed records.<ref>Indictment, page 8 (July 11, 2006).</ref>

* Noah and the animals got safely into the Ark* A minus 300° Fahrenheit (~-184°C) ice meteor came flying toward After the Earth and broke up in space* As it was breaking upindictment, some of the fragments got caught and became the rings around the planetsHovind maintained his innocence. They made the craters on the moon, the craters on some of the planets and "I still don't understand what was left over came down and splattered on top of the North and South Pole.* The super-cold snow fell on the poles mostly, burying the mammoths standing up. The dump of ice on the North and South pole cracked the crust of the earth releasing the fountains of the deep.* The spreading ice caused the ice age effects, the glacier effects that we see. It buried the mammoths and made the earth wobble around I'm being charged for a few thousand years and it made the canopy collapse that used to protect the earth and opened up the fountains of the deep.* During the first few months of the flood, the dead animals would settle outwho is charging me, and dead plants, and get buried" he said. They would become coal if they’re plants and oil <ref name="arrested" /> Magistrate Miles Davis asked Hovind if they’re animals he wrote and those are still found today in huge grave yards – fossils found in grave yardsspoke English, oil found in big pockets under the groundto which Hovind responded "To some degree".* During Davis replied that the last few months of government adequately explained the flood, the unstable plates of the earth would shift around – some places lift up, other places sink down - that’s going to form ocean basins allegations and mountain ranges and the run off would cause incredible erosion like Grand Canyon in a couple of weeks.* Over the next few hundred years, the ice caps would slowly melt back retreating to their current size. The added water from the ice melt would raise the ocean level creating what’s called a continental shelf* It would also absorb carbon dioxide out of defendant understands the atmosphere which allows more radiation to get in which is going charges "whether you want to shorten people’s life spans and in the days of Peleg admit it finally took effector not.* The earth still today shows the effects of this devastating flood” "<ref>{{cite news|url=http:| 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 = }} <//shoppingref> An [[October 17]] trial date (originally [[September 5]]) was set for Kent Hovind and his co-defendant wife, Jo, who faced 44 charges.drdino.com/view_item.php?id<ref>{{cite news | url=445|datetitle=2002Evangelist's trial postponed|publisher=CSE MinistryPensacola News Journal |lastdate=Hovind1 September 2006|first=KentMichael | last=Stewart |titleaccessdate =Part 6, The Hovind Theory}}</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" />

Some anti-At the time of the arrest, Magistrate Davis, "over Kent Hovind websites critically analyse various versions of 's protests[,] ... took away his passport and [the ] guns Hovind Theoryclaimed belonged to his church. Included ..." Hovind argued that he needed his passport to continue his evangelism work. He said "thousands and thousands" were waiting to hear him preach in these criticisms: South Africa the following month. But Davis sided with Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Heldmyer, who argued that "like-minded people" might secret Hovind uses contradictionsaway if he left the country. In relation to the guns, straw man, red herring, and flat out false arguments in his theoryDavis said "ownership was not the issue.".<ref name="Hovindtheoryarrested"/> 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 webnews |url=http://www.kent-hovindncseweb.comorg/theoryresources/news/2006/FL/470_kent_hovind_arrested_on_federa_7_14_2006.htmasp |title=The Kent Hovind Theoryarrested on federal charges | publisher=National Center for Science Education |date=2002July 14, 2006 | first= | last= |publisheraccessdate =Kent 2006-10-18}}</ref> More than a half-dozen guns were seized at the Hovind's home, including an SKS semiautomatic rifle.com<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> For exampleAlso "During an IRS raid at the home, Hovind supports his claims with material written by fellow Young Earth Creationist Walt Brownagents found cash stashed 'all over the place.' About $42, which contains serious scientific errors000 was seized."<ref name="Hovindtheorydetailedactions" />

== Criticism =====From creationists===It was revealed during the trial that Jo Hovind has come into conflict with other young earth creationists, who believe had requested financial assistance from [[Baptist Healthcare]] claiming that many of his arguments are invalid the Hovinds had no income. "'Dr. and, consequently, undermine their causeMrs. One in particularKent Hovind do not earn salaries, Answers in Genesis has publicly criticised him ' wrote [[http://webMartha Harris]], the trust secretary of Creation Science Evangelism to Baptist Healthcare.archive.org/web/20050313064211/http://www.answersingenesis.org/docs2002/1011hovind.asp]after he had criticised AiG's articleAs health insurance is not provided for this couple, "Arguments we think creationists should NOT usewould appreciate (financial assistance).'"<ref>{{cite web|url=[http://www.answersingenesisreligionnewsblog.orgcom/home16426/area/faq/dont_use.asp|accessdate=2006kent-and-jo-hovind-deny-04having-12|title=Arguments we think creationists should NOT use|publisher=Answers in Genesis}}income Kent and Jo Hovind deny having income]</ref>. In However, continues the letter Carl Wielandarticle "Kent Hovind, Ken Hama tax protester, and Jonathan Sarfati noted that some claims made by Hovind are "fraudulent" and "mistakes in facts and logic which do the creationist cause no good.makes a substantial amount of money"[http://www.creationontheweb.com/content/view/2571[Kent Hovind#Creation Science Evangelism Ministry|see above]] He is also criticised by Creation Ministries International (formerly AiG Australia). Their article "Maintaining Creationist Integrity"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 webnews |url=http://www| title='Dr.creationontheweb.com/content/view/2571/Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |accessdatedate=November 2, 2006-06-08 |titlefirst=Maintaining Creationist IntegrityNicole |publisherlast=Lozare | accessdate =Creation Ministries International}}</ref> responds to Hovind's criticism of the original Answers in Genesis article.

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=From mainstream criticsTax-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>

Hovind is mostly known for his debates with evolutionary biology scientists. The best-known contemporary evolutionary biology scientistsOn [[October 21]], [[2006]], Richard Dawkins and the late Stephen Jay Gould, have trial began in the past refused which he hoped to debate Hovind by claiming convince a jury that debate is not how science works his amusement park admission and gives charlatans more 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 an advantage than systematic inquiry [http:tax fraud| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= October 18, 2006 | first=Angela | last=Fail | accessdate = }}<//pagesref> After the first week of testimony the trial was postponed due to a defense lawyer's illness.sbcglobal.net<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hovind trial resumes Monday| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 25 October 2006 | first=| last=Staff | accessdate = }}</amun_ra/]. Hovind disagreesref> Former and current workers, IRS agents, a bank employee, and feels a lawyer of a non-profit Christian organization testified in the trial. Workers testified that they avoid debate simply because had to punch time cards, had vacation and sick days; while others testified Hovind claimed he had "beat" the audience will perceive that evolution is not as factual as evolutionists claim it istax system. [http<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 = }}<//wwwref> During the trial, the judge "admonished" Hovind's attorney for wasting time and asking irrelevant questions.kent-hovind.com<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Judge admonishes Hovind attorney | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 1, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate =}}</critics.htm]ref>

In {{wikinews|Evangelist Hovind's debatesfound guilty for tax fraud }}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, he traditionally focuses 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = 2006-11-01}}</ref> After closing arguments were presented on points that he claims serve to discredit evolutionary theory[[November 2]], physical cosmologythe jury deliberated three hours before finding the Hovinds guilty on all counts, 58 for Hovind and geology. He also presents what he claims is evidence 44 for a Biblical flood, a young earth, and the canopy theoryhis wife. However, conventional scientists working in the appropriate fields[http://<ref>{{cite news| url=| title='Dr.independent.co.ukDino,' wife guilty | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 2, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | accessdate = }}</world/science_technology/article1094699.eceref> The ''[[Pensacola News Journal]]'' noted, as well as some young Earth creationists[http"The saddest thing://wwwHad they cooperated with the agents, they probably wouldn't be worrying about prison sentences now.answersingenesis"<ref>{{cite news | url= | title=Hard to believe a man with a Ph.org/home/area/faq/dont_use.asp]D didn't know of a basic tax law | publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= November 3, do not agree with Hovind2006 | first=Mark | last=O's assertions.Brien | accessdate = }}</ref>

Others criticize Hovind for 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 involvement with Arkansas state Representative Jim Holtprison 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 Anti-Evolution Bill in 2001 (House Bill 2548)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="connectionsentencing"> Don Michael, "The Hovind connection{{cite news | url=http: Check your facts, legislators//www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs." Northwest Arkansas Timesdll/article?AID=/20070119/NEWS01/701190332/1006 | title=10 years for 'Dr. April 05, 2001 Dino'| publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date= 19 January 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</ref> This bill "would have required that when public schools refer {{wikinews|Dr Dino gets 10 years in prison}}Hovind's teary-eyed court room behavior was in stark contrast to evolution that it be identified as an unproven theory," which some politicians noted "would have phone calls he made Arkansas a laughingstockwhile in jail.<ref name="Decade"[>{{cite news | url=http://www.nwanewspensacolanewsjournal.com/adgapps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/NEWS01/701200319/1006 | title=A decade for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=Pensacola NewsJournal | date= 20 January 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}</159282/] Holt called upon ref> One conversation with Eric Hovind, Kent Hovind as an "expert" who "testified for Holt before 's son, showed the State Agencies two plotted to hide a motor vehicle title and Governmental Affairs Committee, alleging much of property deeds to prevent the government from collecting the information pertaining property to evolution in our science textbooks is falsepay for owed debt."<ref name="connectionjailcalls" >{{cite news | url=http://> As for the legislationwww.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070120/VIDEO/70119009/1006 | title=Kent Hovind Jail Calls|publisher=Pensacola News Journal | date=January 21, "Holt admitted much of the information in his bill came from Jonathan Wells' "''Icons of Evolution''."2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}}</ref name="connection" />

Critics charge A [[February 28]], [[2007]] hearing was held so that Kent the court could consider, among other things, certain contentions by Hovind's creation/evolution presentations are regarding his convictions for structuring transactions (cash withdrawals from a mix of Christian Fundamentalism, and conspiracy theories. [http://wwwbank) to evade currency reporting requirements.ncseweb.org/resources/rncse_content/vol24/620_then_a_miracle_occurs_12_30_1899.asp] The Southern Poverty Law Center has criticized Hovind as is contending that under the rule in a result of his selling books such as case called ''[http://www.wingtv.net/reichUnited States v.html Fourth Reich of the Rich]'', and recommending ''The Protocols of the Elders of ZionDavenport'', an established hoax that has been widely used as a justification for anti-Semitism.<ref name="radicalreligion">{{cite web|url=http://www929 F.splcenter2d 1169 (7th Cir.org/intel/intelreport/article1991).jsp?aid=205|year=2001|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|title=Radical Religion: Creationism gets a dash of anti-Semitism|accessdate=2006-04-14}}</ref> The center explained "Are you worried that Darwin's idea produced 'Communismthe crime is not the individual withdrawals, Socialismbut is instead the total transaction, Naziism, abortion, liberalism and also known as the "unit of the New Age Movement?' Then Drcrime. Kent " Hovind is for you.contending that in his case there was no "<ref name=unit of the crime"radicalreligion" /> Also the center critized Hovind for claiming "Democracy is evil separate and contrary to God's law."<ref name="radicalreligion" /> Hovind has stated, "''I love distinct from the Jews. But ''The Protocols alleged act of Zion'' [sic] was written withdrawing, and without such a separate amount to explain how to control the world, I mean, it lays it all out. But it’s really carefully done so that if it is ever discovered the Jews take the blame for it.''"be structured [http://www.kent-hovind.com/quotes/conspiracy.htm] The SPLC also was appalled at Hovind pointing "his followers to ''Citizens Rule Book'', popular among antigovernment "Patriots"; ''Media Bypass''there could be no crime alleged, an antigovernment magazine with strong anti-Semitic leanings; and titles by America's leading authority no conviction on tax-dodging, Irwin Schiff, who was indicted on criminal tax evasion charges any charge in March 2004Counts 13 through 57."[http://www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=485] == Hovind's $250,000 offer == Hovind has made the following offer: :''I have a standing offer of $250,000 to anyone who can give any empirical evidence (scientific proof) for evolution.* My $250,000 offer demonstrates that the hypothesis of evolution is nothing more than a religious belief.'' <ref>Motion [http://wwwby defendant Jo D.drdino.com/articles.php?spec=67&kws=250,000 DrDino.comHovind]: $250K offer</ref> Critics view this to be spurious howeverReconsider Order Denying Motion for Judgment of Acquittal, not least because of the conditions which Hovind imposesJan. The winner would have to convince Hovind of the reality of evolution and would be required to scientifically prove that God doesn't exist. [http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind.html] The asterisk denotes the terms which he claims show significant gaps in the gradual progression predicted by the theory of evolution: :''*NOTE: When I use the word evolution26, I am not referring to the minor variations found in all of the various life forms (microevolution). I am referring to the general theory of evolution which believes these five major events took place without God:::''1. Time2007, spacedocket entry 153, and matter came into existence by themselves.::''2United States of America v. Planets and stars formed from space dustKent E.::Hovind'', case no. 3. Matter created life by itself.::''4. Early life06cr83-forms learned to reproduce themselves.::''5. Major changes occurred between these diverse life forms (i.e., fish changed to amphibians, amphibians changed to reptiles, and reptiles changed to birds or mammals). On December 19, 2005, Hovind announced while on [http:/001/www.truthradio.com/ Truth Radio]MCR, that he is increasing the offer to '''$1,000,000''' United States District Court for the Christmas holiday week. And that he is doing it with confidence that no one will ever be able to prove evolution. The vast majority Northern District of scientists do not take Hovind's work very seriously or agree with his interpretation of the facts.<ref>[http://www.talkoriginsFlorida, Pensacola Division.org/faqs/hovind/howgood.html TalkOrigins] on Kent Hovind</ref> ===Responses===Critics argue that If the offer is merely a publicity stuntconvictions on Counts 13 through 57 were to be thrown out (or, more specifically, that it is deliberately designed if the conviction on count 57 alone were to be impossible to winthrown out), and that it reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of both science and considering the scientific method. Critics say that his description of evolution does not match with remaining convictions on the scientific definition and that he conflates evolution with other unrelated issues in counts, the description of his challenge (see effect could be to reduce Hovind's list of "prison sentence from ten years to five major events" above)years. The parties are awaiting a court decision on this matter. Furthermore, it would be impossible to prove gravity under Jo Hovind's sentencing has been delayed in anticipation of the same conditions as Hovind requirescourt decision.<ref>{{cite webnews |url=http://truewww.wxcspensacolanewsjournal.com/hovindapps/flaw-impossiblepbcs.htmdll/article?AID=/20070301/NEWS01/703010325/1006 |title=Hovind indirectly admits that his $250,000 Offer is impossible, and is flawedAttorneys for Hovinds seeks acquittal on bank structuring|publisher=Truth Radio|date=[[2005-04-05Pensacola News Journal]]| date= March, 1, 2007 | first= | last= |accessdate=20062007-0703-1403}}</ref> Some creationists also do not approve of Hovind's offer. Answers in Genesis said it "would prefer that creationists refrained from gimmicks like this."<ref>[http://www.answersingenesis.org/news/ross_hovind_analysis.asp Answers in Genesis]: Response to Kent Hovind</ref> Hovind has said a panel of judges would decide if a claim had met his criteria, but he has refused to say who would be (or is) on that panel. He has even refused to say what their qualifications might be. Challengers who have submitted claims to Hovind have become convinced that he does not actually use a panel of judges, in spite of his promise to do so.<ref>[http://home.austarnet.com.au/stear/kent_hovind's_lies.htm Is Kent Hovind A Liar Too?]</ref> The winter 2005 issue of ''Skeptic'' included an article titled "Doubting Dr. Dino" by Adam Kisby[http://ne-plus-ultra.net/pubs/kisby_hovindarticle_rev2.pdf]. Kisby lays out Hovind's arguments in formal logic, asserting that Hovind's challenge is logically invalid. The proof states "that our first and second hypotheses are reducible to the equation <math>\mathrm{U} = \varnothing</math>, which describes a non-existing universe". Kisby "dispatched my proof to Dr. Dino after committing it to paper" and "many weeks later I received a terse reply from Hovind in which he dogmatically rejected my proof." Hovind's reason was "the universe is evidence of a Designer - not proof there is no Designer." Thusly Kisby concluded "I contend that either my proof is technically correct or Hovind's $250,000 offer is fundamentally flawed. If my proof is correct, then Hovind is constrained by the terms of his offer to release the money. On the other hand if Hovind's offer is flawed then he is morally obligated to withdraw it or modify it." The following (Spring 2006) issue of ''Skeptic'', though, suggests that Kisby's proof may have some flaws. Various objections to the proof appear in the magazine's "Doubting Dr. Dino's Doubter Forum" (p. 21).

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=22]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>

He 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 social conservative stance demonstrated with cure for [[cancer]].<ref name="CSICOP" /> On his presentations are fused with political messages radio program that are socially conservativehe claims the U.S. Hovind maintains government was behind the 9/11 attacks and that Biology textbooks are "lyinga " and advocates simply taking evolution out lot of the textbooks because he considers evolution folks were told not to come to be a work."<ref name="religion.antisemitism" [>{{cite news | url=http://www.drdinokent-hovind.com/articles/semite.php?spechtm | title=67&kwsKent Hovind: Semitic Semantics |publisher=250,000] Kent-Hovind.com | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-12-14}}</ref> He attributes this belief to the films 's presentations are '911 In Plane Site'' and ''Loose Change.'' He also fused with other political comments, including posting political cartoons 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 his PowerPoint slides as the audience waits for his presentation, militias and comments sayingto 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 "I'm not trying to get evolution out UFOs are apparitions of Satan" and that the textbooksUS government possesses UFOs.<ref name="Hovindconspiracy" /> Additionally, nor am I trying Hovind believes that the Federal Reserve, the Council on Foreign Relations, the United Nations, and various other groups are actively planning to get creationism into create a one-world government and that the 1993 World Trade Center attack was staged by the textbooksUS Government in order to pass "anti-terrorism" legislation that restricts civil liberties. What He says, "I'm trying to do is get the lies out of the textbookslove my country, but fear my government. And you should too." (www<ref> [http://video.drdinogoogle.com /videoplay?docid=5240112600444883198&q=kent+hovind+new+world+order&hl=en Hovind's New World Order (Google video tape #3.)]</ref>

Hovind has several conspiracy theories about the US government. For example, he believes that Laetrile works and teaches that the US government is conspiring to suppress a cure for cancer. [http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-11/hovind.html] On his radio program that he claims the US government was behind the 9/11 attacks and that a "lot of folks were told not to come to work."[http://www.kent-hovind.com/articles/semite.htm] He attributes this belief to the films ''9/11 In Plane Site'' [http://www.911inplanesite.com] and "Loose Change." He also believes the "Oklahoma City bombing was done on purpose. 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?"[http://www.kent-hovind.com/quotes/conspiracy.htm] He also allegeds that "UFOs are apparitions of Satan" and that the US government possesses UFOs. [http://www.kent-hovind.com/quotes/conspiracy.htm] In terms of science, 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.htmlHovind 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/]. However| 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, the claim itself this is false , and, while although Hovind has been informed of this, he continues to make itthe 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 over millions of years, as geologists explain. Rather, Hovind claims the Grand Canyon was created through gradual geologic processes but rather by the Great Flood (as told in the story of Noah's Ark) narrated in the Old Testament.[http://www.kent-hovind.com/theory.htm]

*In 2000 Hovind was given the "P. T. Barnum: ''One Born Every Minute''" award from the New Mexicans for Science and Reason (NMSR).[http://www.nmsr.org/hovind.htm] This was awarded for Hovind's speech on May 7, 1999, in a packed room in Philadelphia, that "urged his audience to study convincing new evidence of humans living with dinosaurs". Hovind's evidence turned out to be the annual [http://www.nmsr.org/april_fool.html NMSR April Fool's prank]. *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 Christian BaptismChristianity. <ref>Chick Tracts: [http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0055/0055_01.aspBig Daddy?] </ref><ref>Chick Tracts: [http://www.chick.com/bc/2000/dinosaurs.aspAuthor Claims Some Dinosaurs Live Today!]</ref>

<div class="references -small" style="-moz-column-count:2; column-count:2;"><references/></div>

*[http://www.drdino.com/ Dr Dino] - Kent Hovind's official website*[http://www.cseblogs.com CSE Blogs] - Hovind's official blog

*[http://www.truthradio.com Truth Radio] - Hovind's Daily radio program (The Creation Science Hour), hosted by [[Truth Radio Program 4:30pm-6:00pm Central time]] === Dr.Hovinds own publications ===*[http://www.chickgibtesgott.com/information/authors/hovinden_downloads_kent_hovind.asp About Kent Hovind], by Chick Publications*[http://creationphp Video Seminars of Dr.allinwonder.org Kent Hovind's Creation Seminar Series Watch and Listen] - Online Media

*[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]].

*[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/ Talk.origins on Kent HovindFAQs] from [[TalkOrigins Archive|TalkOrigins]]*[http://www.kent-talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/howgood.com/ Analysis of Kent Hovindhtml How Good Are Those Young-Earth Arguments?] Includes a section on Hovind's relationship with Chick Publishing and responses to the $250,000 Challengedetailed 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/indexpubs/kisby_hovindarticle_rev2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=111&Itemidpdf | title=26/ Doubting Dr. Dino: Kent Hovind's $250,000 Challenge Met| publisher=[[Skeptic magazine|Skeptic]] by | date= Vol. 12, No. 1 | first=Adam | last=Kisby*[http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/12/31/8219/5938 Know Your Creationists: Kent Hovind]| 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 Hovind's Dissertation] An Academic Review/Description of Hovind's Dissertation] by [[Karen Bartelt]], Ph.D*[{{cite news | url=http://www.csicop.org/si/2004-11/hovind.html | title=A 2004 Journey to Hovind's Dinosaur Adventure Land| publisher=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] by CSICOP in the | date= November 2004 issue of | 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.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 08/(August 10/, 2005)] A court affidavit Hovind presented containing his biography.

* [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 07/06/] (July 6, 2006])* [http://www.richardsayshome.com/fileListing.php Various documents provided from Richardsayshome.com], which some believe is suspected to be ran 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.

* [{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournalsptimes.com/apps2004/pbcs.dll04/article?AID=18/20060407State/NEWS01/604070340/1006 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.pensacolanewsjournalfirstcoastnews.com/appsnews/pbcsnews-article.dll/articleaspx?AIDstoryid=68460 | title=/20060714/NEWS01/607140333/1006 Pensacola Evangelist Who Founded Dinosaur Theme Park Convicted of Tax Fraud| publisher=[[First Coast News Journal, 14 July ]] | date= 6 November 2006]| first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}* [{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2006071820070119/NEWS01/607180319701190332/1006 | title=10 years for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal, 18 July 2006]] | date= 19 January 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart | accessdate = 2007-01-20}}* [{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2006071920070120/NEWS01/607190343 701200319/1006 | title=A decade for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal, 19 July 2006]] | 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=/2006072120070121/NEWS01/607210336/1006 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 July 2006]}}*[{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2006072820070120/NEWS01VIDEO/607280331/1006 70119009 | title=Kent Hovind jail calls|publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=January 20, 28 July 2006]2007 | first= | last= | accessdate =2007-01-21}}*[{{cite news | url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2006090120070301/NEWS01/60901002 703010325/1006 | title=Attorneys for Hovinds seeks acquittal on bank structuring| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= March, 1 September 2006] , 2007 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2007-03-03}}

[[Category:Religious figures|Hovind, KentScandals]][[Category:Fundamentalist Christians]]