View source for Kent Hovind

{{short description|American Christian fundamentalist and Young Earth Creationist}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| image              = Kent Hovind 2020.png
| image_caption      = Hovind in 2020
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1953|1|15}}
| birth_place        = 
| education          = [[Midwestern Baptist College]] ([[Bachelor of Religious Education|BRE]])
| employer           = 
| known_for          = Advocate of [[Young Earth creationism]] and anti-tax views
| module             = {{Listen voice
|name=Kent Hovind
|filename=Kent Hovind voice 2020.ogg
|recorded=January 2020
|description=Hovind debating the validity of evolution with science YouTuber Professor Dave
}}
| nationality        = American
| alma_mater         = [[Patriot Bible University|Patriot University]] ([[Ph.D]])
}}

'''Kent E. Hovind''' (born January 15, 1953) is an American [[Christian fundamentalism|Christian fundamentalist]] [[apologist]] and [[tax protestor]]. His [[young Earth creationist]] ministry focuses on [[Denialism|denial]] of accepted scientific knowledge in the fields of biology ([[evolution]] and [[abiogenesis]]), [[geophysics]], and [[cosmology]] in favor of a [[Biblical literalism|literalist interpretation]] of the [[Genesis creation narrative]] found in the [[Bible]]. Hovind's views, which combine elements of [[creation science]] and [[conspiracy theory]], are dismissed by the scientific community as [[fringe theory]] and [[pseudo-scholarship]]. [[Answers in Genesis]], a fundamentalist organization advocating young Earth creationism, openly criticized him for continued use of discredited arguments abandoned by others in the movement.

Hovind established Creation Science Evangelism (CSE) in 1989 and Dinosaur Adventure Land in 2001 in [[Pensacola, Florida]]. He frequently spoke on Young Earth creationism in schools, churches, debates, and on radio and television broadcasts. His son Eric Hovind took over operation of CSE after Hovind began serving a ten-year prison sentence in January 2007 for federal convictions for failing to pay taxes, obstructing federal agents, and [[structuring]] cash transactions. In September 2021, Hovind was convicted of [[domestic violence]] against his estranged wife.

== Biography ==
At the age of 16, Hovind became a [[Born again (Christianity)|born-again Christian]]<ref name="affidavit1998"/> within the [[Independent Fundamental Baptist]] church.<ref>"I am, without apology, an independent fundamental Baptist." {{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=articles&specific=43 | title=The Baptists and the Amish | publisher= DrDino.com (archived) |year= 2002 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | access-date =January 2, 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030618200641/http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=articles&specific=43 | archive-date= June 18, 2003}}</ref>

In 1971, he graduated from [[East Peoria Community High School]] in [[East Peoria, Illinois]]. He entered [[Illinois Central College]] and then transferred to the unaccredited [[Midwestern Baptist College]] in 1972, attaining a [[bachelor's degree|Bachelor]] of Religious Education in 1974.<ref name="affidavit1998"/>

He married his wife Jo in 1973 and they had three children between 1977 and 1979. Between 1975 and 1988, Hovind served as an assistant pastor and teacher at three [[Christian school|private Baptist schools]], including one he started.<ref name="affidavit1998">"Affidavit of Kent E. Hovind (2005) with Circuit Court of Escambia County August 10, 2005"</ref>

In 1989, the family moved to Pensacola, Florida, where Jo attended (then unaccredited) [[Pensacola Christian College]] and earned a bachelor's degree in music and master's degrees in music and sacred music.<ref name="TCM2012-281">[http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/InOpHistoric/hovindopinion.TCM.WPD.pdf ''Jo Delia Hovind v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414015531/http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/InOpHistoric/HovindOpinion.TCM.WPD.pdf |date=April 14, 2015 }}; T.C. Memo. 2012-281; October 3, 2012; also available online at [[s:Jo Hovind v Commissioner of Internal Revenue (2012 Order)|Jo Hovind v Commissioner of Internal Revenue (2012 Order)]].</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://drdino.com/AboutCSE.htm | title=About CSE |publisher=DrDino.com (archived) |year=1999 | access-date = August 18, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19991012020647/http://drdino.com/AboutCSE.htm |archive-date=October 12, 1999 }}</ref>

In 1998, Hovind created his ''Dr. Dino'' web site and began producing articles and selling video tapes, books, and fossil replicas.<ref name="TCM2012-281"/> Prior to his incarceration, Hovind had numerous speaking engagements (around 700 in 2004<ref name="DarwinfreeNYT"/>) at churches, private schools, and other venues each year, in addition to hosting a daily internet radio talk show and establishing ''Dinosaur Adventure Land'' in Pensacola, Florida. In 1999, his son Eric Hovind began traveling to present his arguments and seminars.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/readNews.php?id=31 | title=Trip to Canada and Debate|publisher=DrDino.com (archived) |date=April 2, 2007 | first=Eric | last=Hovind | access-date = August 18, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070914150425/http://www.drdino.com/readNews.php?id=31 |archive-date = September 14, 2007}}</ref><ref name="EricJoins1999">Kent Hovind wrote his son, Eric, "joined our CSE staff May 10th. He is taking my seminar to schools and churches and has quite a few meetings scheduled already." {{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/newsletter.htm | title=The Every-Once-in-a-While Newsletter | publisher= DrDino.com (archived) |year= 1999 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | access-date =August 17, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/19991012204514/http://www.drdino.com/newsletter.htm | archive-date=October 12, 1999}}</ref> Kent and Jo divorced in 2016.<ref>Judgment dated June 21, 2016, recorded June 24, 2016, ''Jo D. Hovind v. Kent E. Hovind''; {{cite web |title=Case Number 2016 DR 001238 |publisher=Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court |url=http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=2204417 |access-date=June 30, 2016 }}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

[[File:PatriotU Crop.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Patriot University]]

In 1988 and 1991 respectively, Hovind received a master's degree and doctorate in Christian Education through [[correspondence school|correspondence]] from (also unaccredited) [[Patriot Bible University|Patriot University]], then in [[Colorado Springs, Colorado]].<ref group="notes">now Patriot Bible University in [[Del Norte, Colorado|Del Norte]], Colorado, which no longer offers this program</ref><ref name="HovindWhereDidYou">{{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc13.jsp | title=Where did you get your degree? | publisher= DrDino.com (archived) |year= 2000 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20000903025232/http://www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc13.jsp | archive-date= September 3, 2000}}</ref><ref name="Forrest">{{cite news | url=https://ncse.ngo/unmasking-false-prophet-creationism | title=Unmasking the False Prophet of Creationism| publisher=[[National Center for Science Education]] |date=September 1, 1999 | first=Forrest| last=Barbara | access-date = December 4, 2024}}</ref> Patriot University is a [[diploma mill]].<ref name="KauffmanYD"/><ref name="PigliucciBoudry2013">{{cite book |last=Prothero |first=Donald |author-link=Donald Prothero |editor-last1=Pigliucci |editor-first1=Massimo |editor-link1=Massimo Pigliucci |editor-last2=Boudry |editor-first2=Maarten |editor-link2=Maarten Boudry |title=Philosophy of Pseudoscience: Reconsidering the Demarcation Problem |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Pc4OAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA357 |access-date=June 1, 2015 |date=August 16, 2013 |publisher=University of Chicago Press |pages=341–60 |chapter=The Holocaust Denier's Playbook and the Tobacco Smokescreen|isbn=9780226051826 }}</ref>

Having a website called "Dr. Dino" has provoked some academics to look closely at how Hovind presents his education and credentials. All his known degrees are from unaccredited institutions, and he has no training in [[paleontology]].<ref name="LoxtonProthero2013"/> [[Barbara Forrest]], a professor of philosophy, expert on the history of creationism and activist in the [[creation–evolution controversy]], wrote that Hovind's lack of training makes academic discussion impossible<ref name="Forrest"/> and has said that his understanding of historical and scientific research is deficient.<ref name="KauffmanYD">{{cite news | url=http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_3597850 | title=Creationist speaker 'loose about the facts' | publisher=[[York Dispatch]] | date=March 13, 2006 | first=Christina | last=Kauffman | access-date=April 7, 2015 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414163221/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_3597850 | archive-date=April 14, 2015 }}</ref> [[Karen Bartelt]], an organic chemistry professor who debated Hovind,<ref name="Forrest"/> examined Hovind's [[Thesis|dissertation]] and found it is incomplete,<ref group="notes">It contains four chapters totaling 101 pages, but Hovind's introduction claims the work is 250 pages with 16 chapters.</ref> contains numerous spelling errors, lacks [[Citation|references]], shows flawed reasoning, and states that it does not present any original research.<ref name="LoxtonProthero2013"/><ref name="Holley2015">{{cite journal |last=Holley |first=Tracey |date=September 2015 |title=Evolution is the Root of All Evil: An Examination of the Paranoid Style of Creation Science Evangelism |url=http://www.ijessnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2.pdf |journal=International Journal of Education and Social Science |volume=2 |issue=9 |pages=8–14 |access-date=January 21, 2016 |archive-date=April 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410143314/http://www.ijessnet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Bartelt">{{cite web | url=http://www.noanswersingenesis.org.au/bartelt_dissertation_on_hovind_thesis.htm | title=The Dissertation Kent Hovind Doesn't Want You to Read: A Review of Kent Hovind's Thesis |publisher=[[No Answers in Genesis]] | year=2004 | first=Karen E. | last=Bartelt| access-date = October 24, 2007}}</ref>

=== Creation Science Evangelism and Creation Today ===
<!-- Eric Hovind redirects to this section.  If the title of this section is changed, please update the redirect page.-->

Hovind established Creation Science Evangelism in 1989 to evangelize and teach [[creationism]].<ref name="TCM2012-281"/> In May 1999, his son Eric joined Creation Science Evangelism as a speaker, and his daughter Marlissa began training to become Hovind's secretary.<ref name="EricJoins1999"/> That year, CSE merged with [[Faith Baptist Fellowship]] of [[Hawthorne, Florida|Hawthorne]], [[Florida]], beginning a relationship that lasted until 2002. In 2003, with the aid of [[Glenn Stoll]] (a promoter of [[tax-avoidance]] schemes), Hovind set up a series of entities starting with "an unincorporated association of pure trust" on May 13, under which a [[corporation sole]] and several ministerial trusts were established starting on May 23. CSE properties were conveyed to the trusts which operated under business licenses from the [[Embassy of Heaven|"Kingdom of Heaven"]].<ref name="OrderonProperty"/>

Hovind is associated with the [[Unregistered Baptist Fellowship]] (UBF), a loosely affiliated group of roughly 100 churches which share a "theology of Christian resistance" to civil governments. Because the UBF would consider it an acknowledgement of government authority over the church, they reject the highly favorable [[501(c)(3)]] status, which makes donations tax deductible and exempts them from income tax, but not FICA taxes or employee income tax withholding.<ref name="SPLC2001">{{cite news |url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2001/seizure-indianapolis-baptist-temple-ends-standoff-%E2%80%98unregistered%E2%80%99-church-movement-continues |title=Seizure of Indianapolis Baptist Temple Ends Standoff, But 'Unregistered' Church Movement Continues |publisher=[[Southern Poverty Law Center]] |date=May 8, 2001 |access-date=February 24, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Kurst-Swanger2008">{{cite book|last=Kurst-Swanger|first=Karel|title=Worship and Sin: An Exploration of Religion-related Crime in the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9N7nPf_0ePUC&pg=210|access-date=February 24, 2016|year=2008|publisher=Peter Lang|isbn=978-0-8204-6387-2|pages=210–211}}</ref> The UBF holds that governmental authority stops "at the threshold of the church",<ref name="Kurst-Swanger2008" /><ref>{{cite web |url= http://unregisteredbaptistfellowship.org/about/ |title= About UBF |date= March 13, 2015 |website= Unregistered Baptist Fellowship |access-date= February 24, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151127170532/http://unregisteredbaptistfellowship.org/index.php/content/about-ubf |archive-date= November 27, 2015 |url-status= live }}</ref> and Hovind has likened his ministry's status to that of the [[Vatican City]] State.<ref name="DALFight" /> When the federal government obtained a [[search warrant]] in 2004, an [[Internal Revenue Service]] (IRS) criminal investigator made the [[sworn declaration|sworn statement]] that the organization did not have a business license and did not have tax-exempt status.<ref name="ParkFinance" />

Hovind was convicted of 58 felony counts in November 2006<ref>{{cite web |url=http://kenthovindblog.com/?p=50 |title=Creation Science Evangelism is the Lord's work. |publisher=Creation Science Evangelism |work=Kenthovindblog.com |date=November 3, 2006 |access-date=July 10, 2016 |archive-date=August 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807064333/http://kenthovindblog.com/?p=50 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and sentenced to ten years in prison in January 2007; Eric Hovind took over Creation Science Evangelism.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.kenthovindblog.com/?p=62 | title=New Mission Field for Dr. Hovind | publisher=Creation Science Evangelism | work=kenthovindblog.com | date=January 20, 2007 | first=Eric | last=Hovind | access-date=October 3, 2012 | archive-date=May 14, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514093217/http://www.kenthovindblog.com/?p=62 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In July 2007, God Quest Inc. was [[Incorporation (business)|incorporated]] with Eric Hovind as president,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sunbiz.org/COR/2007/0726/06494231.Tif | title=Florida Articles of Incorporation of God Quest, Inc. |publisher=State of Florida, Department of State. | year=2007 | access-date = August 11, 2010}}</ref> and that November, God Quest Inc. filed in Florida to do business under the [[trade name]] Creation Science Evangelism.<ref>[http://sunbiz.org/scripts/ficidet.exe?action=DETREG&docnum=G07317900401&rdocnum=G07317900401 Fictitious Name Detail: Creation Science Evangelism], Registration #G07317900401, November 13, 2007, from [http://sunbiz.org/ State of Florida, Department of State]. Retrieved May 15, 2015.</ref> In June 2008, Eric announced that the CSE website would incorporate the CSE blog and change format allowing for "only positive comments" about Hovind and CSE,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.kenthovindblog.com/?p=153 | title=Updating CSE Blogs | publisher=Creation Science Evangelism blog | date=June 24, 2008 | access-date=October 21, 2008 | archive-date=December 15, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215150749/http://www.kenthovindblog.com/?p=153 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and in late 2011, Creation Science Evangelism's ''DrDino.com'' website was redirected to ''CreationToday.org''.<ref>Kyle Winkler, {{cite web | url=https://issuu.com/cseministry/docs/ct-current-winter-2011 | title=We are Now Creation Today | publisher=Creation Today | date=Winter 2011 | page=3 | access-date=April 25, 2015 | archive-date=April 14, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414020112/http://issuu.com/cseministry/docs/ct-current-winter-2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The new website announced "Creation Today is a ministry of God Quest, Inc." with focus on "creation, apologetics and evangelism."<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.creationtoday.org/about/at-a-glance/ | title=At a Glance | publisher=Creation Today | year=2012 | access-date = January 14, 2012}}</ref>

=== Dinosaur Adventure Land ===
<!-- Dinosaur Adventure Land redirects to this section. If the title of this section is changed, please update the redirect page.-->

[[File:Pensacola Dinosaur Adventure Land entr01.jpg|250px|left|thumb|Entrance to the park]]

{{Commons category|Dinosaur Adventure Land}}

In 2001, Hovind started Dinosaur Adventure Land, a young Earth creationist [[theme park]] located behind Hovind's home in Pensacola.<ref name="CSICOP">{{cite news |url=http://www.csicop.org/si/show/stupid_dino_tricks_a_visit_to_kent_hovindrsquos_dinosaur_adventure_land/ |title=Stupid Dino Tricks: A Visit to Kent Hovind's Dinosaur Adventure Land |publisher=[[Skeptical Inquirer]] |date=November 2004 |first=Greg |last=Martinez |access-date=April 10, 2015}}</ref> With the slogan, "Where Dinosaurs and the Bible meet!", the facility on roughly {{convert|7|acre|ha|abbr=off|round=0.5|spell=on}}<ref name="AdamEveTRex">{{cite news |title=Adam, Eve and T. Rex |date= August 27, 2005 |first=Ashley |last=Powers |periodical=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-aug-27-me-dinosaurs27-story.html |access-date=May 28, 2015}}</ref> had an indoor "Science Center" and an outdoor space with a variety of simple dinosaur-themed rides and activities, each of which was tied to some religious message. For example, the "Jumpasaurus" was a trampoline next to a basketball hoop; children would have one minute to make as many baskets as they could, and the message was that one has to be coordinated to do more for Jesus. Annual attendance was 38,000.<ref name="DarwinfreeNYT"/><ref name="CSICOP"/> The park depicted humans and dinosaurs co-existing in the last 4,000–6,000 years and also contains a depiction of the [[Loch Ness Monster]].<ref name="HeresyNS">{{cite news | url=http://www.momentmag.com/Exclusive/2005/2005-10/200510-HeresyOfSlifkin.html | title=The Heresy of Nosson Slifkin | magazine= [[Moment Magazine]] |date= October 2005 | access-date =October 1, 2005 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091129021453/http://momentmag.com/Exclusive/2005/2005-10/200510-HeresyOfSlifkin.html | archive-date= November 29, 2009}}</ref> The [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] said the park also "claims that a few small dinosaurs still roam the planet".<ref name="SPLC2004">{{cite news|last=Jackson|first=Camille|date=Summer 2004|title=When Giants Roamed: A Florida theme park sells creationism — with an antigovernment twist|publisher=[[Southern Poverty Law Center]]|url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2004/florida-theme-park-dinosaur-adventure-land-sells-creationism-antigovernment-twist|url-status=live|access-date=December 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718183537/https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2004/florida-theme-park-dinosaur-adventure-land-sells-creationism-antigovernment-twist|archive-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> A 2004 ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' article discussed a visit to Hovind's dinosaur theme park and concluded that the park is "deceptive on many levels".<ref name="CSICOP"/> In ''Reports of the [[National Center for Science Education]]'', George Allan Alderman described it as "essentially a playground with a few exhibits, several fiberglass dinosaurs, a climbing wall, and a couple of buildings." He summarized it as "shabby".<ref name="AldermanAllen">{{cite web|last=Alderman|first=George Allen|date=November 2011|title=Dinosaur Adventure Land, or How Max Defeated the Creationist Swing Set|url=http://reports.ncse.com/index.php/rncse/article/view/85/78|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705125338/http://reports.ncse.com/index.php/rncse/article/download/85/78|archive-date=July 5, 2017|access-date=February 9, 2022|website=[[National Center for Science Education|Reports of the National Center for Science Education]]}}</ref>

The venture encountered legal issues when the owners did not get a [[building permit]] in 2002 ([[#Escambia County (2002–2006)|see below]]). In April 2006, Escambia County officials closed the building in question.<ref name="ParkExtinction"/> In July 2009, the courts ruled that the properties could be seized and sold to satisfy Hovind's criminal penalties ([[#CSE property forfeitures|see below]]).<ref name="pnjruling">{{cite news | url=http://www.pnj.com/article/20090801/NEWS01/908010317 | title=Judge clears way for dinosaur park to be seized | publisher= [[Pensacola News Journal]] |date= July 31, 2009| first=Kris | last=Wernowsky | access-date =August 17, 2009}} [ The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref> Another Florida ministry theme park, the [[Holy Land Experience]], successfully lobbied for a property tax exemption law for parks "used to exhibit, illustrate, and interpret biblical manuscripts" in 2006; Dinosaur Adventure Land, which was not a [[501(c)(3) organization]], failed to have the law expanded to be included.<ref>{{citation |title= Biblical parks may get tax deal |last= Liberto |first= Jennifer |date= April 6, 2006 |work= Tampa Bay Times |url= https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2006/04/06/biblical-parks-may-get-tax-deal/ |access-date= May 6, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title= Bibleland Orlando's Holy Land Experience And Other Religious Theme Parks Mix Faith and Entertainment -- But Not Without Controversy |last= Alter |first= Alexandra |date= September 23, 2006 |newspaper= Washington Post |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2006/09/23/bibleland-span-classbankheadorlandos-holy-land-experience-and-other-religious-theme-parks-mix-faith-and-entertainment-but-not-without-controversyspan/509d1eaf-4063-49d9-88cf-fdc4d3c111de/ |access-date= May 6, 2020}}</ref> Eric Hovind kept the park and CSE operating throughout 2008,<ref name="DALFight">{{cite news | title=Jailed owner fights to keep park open | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=July 21, 2008}} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref> but in July 2009, a judge allowed the government seizure to proceed.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://ncse.com/news/2009/07/dinosaur-adventure-land-to-be-seized-004963 | title=Dinosaur Adventure Land to be seized? | publisher=[[National Center for Science Education]] | date=July 31, 2009 | access-date = August 21, 2009}}</ref> In August 2009, Dinosaur Adventure Land's website announced it was closed,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dinosauradventureland.com/news.php?e=29 | title=Park Closed Until Further Notice |publisher=Dinosaur Adventure Land (archived) | date=August 24, 2009 | access-date = August 24, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100722224125/http://www.dinosauradventureland.com/news.php?e=29 |archive-date=July 22, 2010 }}</ref> and CSE announced its re-opening as the "Creation Store" in November 2010.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.dinosauradventureland.com/news.php?e=30 | title=Spend Christmas with the Dinosaurs |publisher=Dinosaur Adventure Land (archived) | date=November 5, 2010 | access-date = August 24, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110723021844/http://www.dinosauradventureland.com/news.php?e=30 |archive-date = July 23, 2011}}</ref>

In April 2016, Hovind discussed plans for a new Dinosaur Adventure Land, which included an 80-foot-tall model dinosaur that would be the largest in the state, with commissioners in [[Conecuh County, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite news |last= Peacock |first= Lee |date= April 14, 2016 |title= Commissioners discuss 'Dr. Dino' |newspaper= Evergreen Courant |location= Evergreen, AL |volume=121 |number=29 |page=1 (cont. 12)}}</ref> A supporter donated a {{convert|140|acre|ha|adj=on|abbr=off|round=5}} parcel of land in [[Lenox, Alabama]], a former gravel pit.<ref name ="AL2018">{{cite web |title=Alabama's Dinosaur Adventure Land teaches that evolution is 'dumbest religion in the history of the world' |url=https://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2018/09/alabamas_dinosaur_adventure_la.html |last=Vollers |first=Anna Claire |date=September 19, 2018 |work=AL.com}}</ref> Volunteers started work by June 2016,<ref>{{cite news |last=Dewberry |first=Josh |date= June 23, 2016 |title=Dr. Dino's work continues |newspaper=Monroe Journal |location=Monroeville, AL |volume=150 |number=25 |page=1 (cont. 8A)}}</ref> and it opened in April 2018. {{as of|2018|September}}, total attendance had exceeded 1,000, according to Hovind. Dinosaur Adventure Land is operated by a 501(c)(3) organization, Creation Science Evangelism Ministries Inc. Its revenue streams are donations, book and DVD sales, and YouTube advertising. There is no admission charge and it operates without liability insurance. Facilities include a science center, a campground, a four-wheeler park, and church services including baptisms.<ref name ="AL2018"/>

On March 15, 2020, a seven-year-old boy drowned at the park.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://2083.newstogo.us/editionviewer/?Edition=ef8b164d-40ca-414d-9cb1-404756d154f7&Section=0 | title=The Monroe Journal - Child Dies at Dinosaur Adventure Land |publisher=The Monroe Journal | date=March 19, 2020 | access-date = March 19, 2020}}</ref>

== Creationism ==

=== The Hovind Theory ===
Hovind presented a version of [[young Earth creationism]] he calls the "Hovind Theory" in lectures and in the book ''Unmasking the False Religion of Evolution''.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=The Hovind Theory (Seminar Part 6) |url=http://creationtoday.org/the-hovind-theory-seminar-part-6/ |access-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322013156/http://www.creationtoday.org/the-hovind-theory-seminar-part-6/|archive-date=March 22, 2012|url-status=dead|publisher=Creation Science Evangelism}}</ref><ref name="FalseReligion">{{cite web | url=http://www.royalse.com/scroll/evolve/cover.html | title=Unmasking the False Religion of Evolution, Based on the fact filled, and exciting seminars of Dr. Kent Hovind, Chapter 5: The Hovind Theory |first1=Robert T. |last1=Weaver |first2=Shirley |last2=Norris| publisher= Creation Science Evangelism |year= 1999 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20010224095434/http://www.royalse.com/scroll/evolve/ch5p1ng.html | archive-date= February 24, 2001}}</ref> The Hovind Theory is entirely rejected in the scientific community, and its plausibility has even been criticized by other young Earth creationists.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/howgood.html | title=How Good Are Those Young-Earth Arguments: A Look at Hovind's arguments |publisher=[[talk.origins]] | date=December 10, 2002 | first=Dave | last=Matson | access-date = September 30, 2007}}</ref><ref name="CMIIntegrity">{{cite news | url=http://creation.com/maintaining-creationist-integrity-response-to-kent-hovind | title=Maintaining Creationist Integrity: A response to Kent Hovind| publisher=[[Answers In Genesis]] |date= October 11, 2002 | last1=Wieland | first1 = Carl | author-link1=Carl Wieland | last2 = Ham | first2 = Ken | author-link2=Ken Ham | last3 = Sarfati | first3 = Jonathan | author-link3=Jonathan Sarfati | access-date =April 26, 2015}}</ref>

In Hovind's narrative, dinosaurs and humans coexisted and ''[[Tyrannosaurus|Tyrannosaurus rex]]'' was a vegetarian prior to the [[fall of man]].<ref name="AdamEveTRex"/><ref name="MooreDecker2008"/> Hovind expands upon the late 19th- and early 20th-century [[vapor canopy]] concept of a protective shield that made Earth a relative paradise between the [[Adam and Eve#Expulsion from Eden|expulsion from Paradise]] and [[Noah's flood]].<ref name="Giberson2015">{{cite book|last=Giberson|first=Karl W.|author-link=Karl W. Giberson|title=Saving the Original Sinner: How Christians Have Used the Bible's First Man to Oppress, Inspire, and Make Sense of the World|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VAiJBAAAQBAJ&pg=PT185|date=June 9, 2015|publisher=Beacon Press|isbn=978-0-8070-1252-9|pages=185–7}}</ref> The flood is expressed as a function of [[physical law|natural]] rather than [[miracle|miraculous]] processes.<ref>{{Citation |title=Reading Genesis |journal=[[Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith]] |publisher=[[American Scientific Affiliation]] |date=December 2016 |volume=68 |number=4 |pages=237–261 |last=Clouser |first=Roy |author-link=Roy A. Clouser |url=http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/Clouser/RC2016Reading%20Genesis.pdf |access-date=April 23, 2017 |archive-date=April 24, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424090002/http://www.allofliferedeemed.co.uk/Clouser/RC2016Reading%20Genesis.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Noah]]'s family and two of every [[Baraminology|kind]] of animal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chick.com/information/authors/hovind.asp#testimony|access-date=October 6, 2006|title=Kent Hovind's testimony on Chick.com|publisher=Chick.com}}</ref> (including dinosaurs, which fit because babies were taken aboard and conditions allowed larger humans, making the ark's size, based on [[cubit]]s, larger<ref name="Lebo2009">{{cite book|last=Lebo|first=Lauri |author-link=Lauri Lebo|title=The Devil in Dover: An Insider's Story of Dogma V. Darwin in Small-Town America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_MkDGsDrWmMC&pg=PA144|date=March 2009|publisher=New Press|isbn=978-1-59558-451-9|page=144}}</ref>) boarded [[Noah's Ark]] before an ice [[meteor]] impacted the Earth. Fragments from the meteor caused [[planetary ring]]s and [[impact crater]]s on the moon and other solar system bodies.<ref name="Grant2011"/> The remainder were drawn to the North and South Poles by the [[Earth's magnetic field]] as cataclysmic snowfall which buried the [[mammoth]]s standing up.<ref name="FalseReligion"/><ref name="Grant2011"/> The ice on the poles cracked the [[Crust (geology)|Earth's crust]], releasing the "[[Flood geology|fountains of the deep]]". According to Hovind, these events caused an [[ice age]], and made the Earth wobble around, collapsing the vapor canopy that protected it.<ref>'The Hovind Theory' - part 6 of his CSE series</ref>

In the next few months of the [[Deluge (mythology)|flood]], the dead animals and plants were buried, and became [[oil]], [[coal]], and fossils.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://drdino.com/articles.php?spec=13 | title=Fossils Do not Prove Evolution|publisher=DrDino.com (archived) |year=2006 | access-date = August 18, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060625185617/http://drdino.com/articles.php?spec=13 |archive-date = June 25, 2006}}</ref> The last months of the flood included geological instability, when the [[tectonic plate|plates]] shifted, forming [[oceanic basin|ocean basins]] and [[mountain range]]s. The [[Grand Canyon]] was formed in a couple of weeks during this time.<ref name="MooreDecker2008">{{cite book|last1=Moore|first1=Randy |last2=Decker|first2=Mark D. |title=More Than Darwin: An Encyclopedia of the People and Places of the Evolution-creationism Controversy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zBI7AQAAIAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-34155-7|pages=172–3|chapter=Kent Hovind (b. 1953)}}</ref>

=== Criticism from creationists ===
In a rare case of open dissent within the movement over the substance of creation science,<ref name="PettoGodfrey2007">{{cite book|last=Plavcan|first=J. Michael|editor1-last=Petto |editor1-first=Andrew J.|editor2-last=Godfrey|editor2-first=Laurie R. |title=Scientists Confront Intelligent Design and Creationism|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SCDB7hhLpwMC&pg=PA367|year=2007|publisher=W.W. Norton & Company|isbn=978-0-393-05090-5|page=367|chapter=The Invisible Bible: The Logic of Creation Science}}</ref> [[Answers in Genesis]] (AiG) published a 2002 position paper titled: "Arguments we think creationists should NOT use".<ref name="dontuse">{{cite web|url=http://creation.com/arguments-we-think-creationists-should-not-use|title=Arguments we think creationists should NOT use|publisher=Answers in Genesis|access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> After Hovind issued a point-by-point rebuttal,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=articles&specific=41 | title=Bad Creation Arguments? |publisher=DrDino.com (archived) |date=August 2, 2002| first=Kent | last=Hovind | access-date = May 1, 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20021031104619/http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=articles&specific=41 | archive-date= October 31, 2002}}</ref> [[Carl Wieland]], [[Ken Ham]], and [[Jonathan Sarfati]] of AiG wrote that the claims made by Hovind were "fraudulent" and contained "mistakes in facts and logic which do the creationist cause no good."<ref name="DarwinfreeNYT">{{cite web |last=Goodnough |first=Abby |date=May 1, 2004 |title=Darwin-Free Fun For Creationists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/01/arts/darwin-free-fun-for-creationists.html |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=April 10, 2015 }}</ref><ref name="CMIIntegrity"/><ref name="dontuse"/> In particular, AiG criticized Hovind for "persistently us[ing] discredited or false arguments" as well as "fraudulent claims" from [[Ron Wyatt]],<ref name="CMIIntegrity"/> and described one of Hovind's claims as "self-refuting".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.ocweekly.com/2006-02-23/news/jesus-kills/4/ | title=Jesus Kills: The end of the world is coming, and some OC Christians cant wait | newspaper=[[OC Weekly]] | date=February 23, 2006 | access-date=May 1, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402100433/http://www.ocweekly.com/2006-02-23/news/jesus-kills/4/ | archive-date=April 2, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Rancorous disagreements resulted in AiG splitting into U.S. and Australian chapters in 2005. The Australian branch, renamed [[Creation Ministries International]] (CMI), maintained content critical of Hovind on their website, while the U.S. branch, led by [[Ken Ham]], removed it.<ref>{{cite journal | journal=Reports of the National Center for Science Education (Online Edition) | publisher=[[National Center for Science Education|NCSE]] | title=Trouble in Paradise: Answers in Genesis Splinters | volume=26 | number=6 |date=November–December 2006 | pages=4–7 | url=http://ncse.com/book/export/html/1934 |access-date=May 1, 2015}}</ref> In 2009, CMI said that they had relaxed their stance because CSE's revamped website had removed some of Hovind's claims to which they objected.<ref name="CMIIntegrity"/>

[[Greg Neyman]], an old-Earth creationist who runs the Old Earth Ministries website<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oldearth.org/about_aic.htm |title=About Old Earth Ministries? |website= Old Earth Ministries |access-date=May 21, 2015}}</ref> (renamed from [[Answers in Creation]]), writes that Hovind's articles about humans and dinosaurs coexisting are unsupported by evidence and that they "embarrass the young earth creation science community as a whole".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oldearth.org/drdino.htm |title= Creation Science Rebuttals: Creation Science Evangelism and Dinosaurs |last1=Neyman |first1=Greg |date= September 21, 2003 |website=Old Earth Ministries |access-date=May 21, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Moore2014">{{cite book|last=Moore|first=Randy |title=Dinosaurs by the Decades: A Chronology of the Dinosaur in Science and Popular Culture|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WPeCBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA368|date=July 23, 2014|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-39365-5|page=368}}</ref>

To the [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jewish]] creationist, Hovind's approach relies upon a strict literal reading of the [[King James Version|King James translation]]. Where Jews interpret the Hebrew through [[Talmud]] and [[Midrash]], Hovind relies on a direct reading of English. For example, Hovind claims that the word ''dinosaur'', which was introduced to English in 1841, refers to what previously had been called ''dragon''. Dragon is used where ''[[Tannin (monster)|tannin]]'' ({{langx|he|{{linktext|תנין}}}}) appears, but it means ''serpent'' or ''crocodile''.<ref name="HeresyNS"/>

=== Anti-evolution claims ===
Hovind contends that "[[Darwinism]]" produced "[[Communism]], [[Socialism]], [[Nazism]], [[abortion]], [[liberalism]] and the [[New Age Movement]]".<ref name="radicalreligion"/><ref name="JarrettKentState"/> He blamed the forced [[Cherokee]] resettlement on a belief in evolution, although the [[Trail of Tears]] preceded ''[[On the Origin of Species]]'', the book which first presents the theory of evolution by natural selection, by roughly two decades.<ref name="Forrest"/><ref name="KauffmanYD"/> Hovind maintains that biology textbooks are lying in order to brainwash youth.<ref name="Brainwashed">{{cite web |url=http://creationtoday.org/downloads/files/411PDF.pdf |title=Are You Being Brainwashed |publisher=Creation Science Evangelism |year=2007 |first=Kent | last=Hovind |page=6 |access-date=March 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081209112154/http://www.drdino.com/img/brainwashed_low.pdf |archive-date=December 9, 2008 }}</ref><ref name="Rauser2012">{{cite book|last=Rauser|first=Randal |author-link=Randal Rauser|title=You're Not As Crazy As I Think: Dialogue in a World of Loud Voices and Hardened Opinions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z7-SYWacongC&pg=PA144|date=January 6, 2012|publisher=InterVarsity Press|isbn=978-0-8308-5979-5|page=144}}</ref> He said, "Satan is using evolution theory to make kids go to hell."<ref name="CreationEvolutionMeyer">{{cite news | first=Zlati | last=Meyer | title=Creation v Evolution Topic of Student Forum: A FLA. Evangelist Spoke at Pennridge High School |periodical=The Philadelphia Inquirer |date=November 10, 2000 |url=http://articles.philly.com/2000-11-10/news/25614829_1_evolution-and-creationism-kent-hovind-science-classroom |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211526/http://articles.philly.com/2000-11-10/news/25614829_1_evolution-and-creationism-kent-hovind-science-classroom |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 4, 2015 |access-date=May 4, 2015}}</ref> Hovind claims he is not trying to eliminate evolution from schools,<ref name="Brainwashed"/> but says "schools should [[Teach the Controversy|teach both viewpoints]]."<ref name="CreationEvolutionMeyer"/> Hovind said that in order to forge "missing link" [[transitional fossils]] to support [[human evolution]], the [[Smithsonian Institution]] has 33,000 sets of human remains in its basement, some taken alive (murder).<ref name="Forrest"/><ref name="MooreDecker2008"/> In an interview prior to speaking at [[Kent State University]], Hovind said "You should have another rebellion here at Kent State and do it for the right reason," the reason being protesting evolution and referred to the [[Kent State shootings]] when he added, "This time, don't get shot."<ref name="JarrettKentState">{{cite web |first=Pat |last=Jarrett |title=Creationist speaker: 'Stop lying to students' |periodical=Daily Kent Stater |date=April 7, 2006 |url=http://www.kentwired.com/latest_updates/article_5ace2e09-8050-5b61-9cb4-e7ac23c56b56.html |access-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203101855/http://www.kentwired.com/latest_updates/article_5ace2e09-8050-5b61-9cb4-e7ac23c56b56.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In the [[pseudoscience]] of [[cryptozoology]], Hovind published and co-authored ''Claws, Jaws, and Dinosaurs'' with [[Mokele-mbembe#2000: Gibbons|William Gibbons]], another Creationist who has searched for [[Mokele-mbembe|dinosaurs in the Congo]] under the belief that discovering a [[cryptid]] would somehow undermine evolutionary theory and that dinosaurs were [[dragon]]s.<ref name="LoxtonProthero2013">{{cite book|last1=Loxton|first1=Daniel |author-link1=Daniel Loxton|last2=Prothero|first2=Donald R. |author-link2=Donald Prothero|title=Abominable Science: Origins of the Yeti, Nessie, and other Famous Cryptids|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UV2sAgAAQBAJ|date=September 10, 2013|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-15320-1|pages=293, 308–9}}</ref> Dinosaur Adventure Land had displays about the existence of the [[Loch Ness Monster]]<ref name="Grant2011">{{cite book|last=Grant|first=John |author-link=John Grant (author)|title=Denying Science: Conspiracy Theories, Media Distortions, and the War Against Reality|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=anPotGg3tcUC|date=October 4, 2011|publisher=Prometheus Books|isbn=978-1-61614-400-5|pages=159–60}}</ref> and ''[[Beowulf]]'' as history rather than legend.<ref name="CSICOP"/>

=== Debates ===
Prior to his convictions, Hovind was a prolific debater. While Hovind campaigns against [[evolution]], the [[level of support for evolution]] is essentially universal within the [[scientific community]] and [[academia]];<ref>{{cite court |litigants=Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District |vol=400 |reporter=F.Supp.2d |opinion= 707 |pinpoint= p83 |court=United States District Court, M.D. Pennsylvania |date=December 20, 2005 |url=https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=16465861447416053365&q=kitzmiller+vs+dover&as_sdt=8006 |access-date=May 19, 2015 }} available at Wikisource: [[s:Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District/4:Whether ID Is Science#Page 83 of 139|Ruling, Kitzmiller v. Dover page 83]]<br>Sample organizational statements:
* [[American Association for the Advancement of Science|AAAS]]: {{cite web |last=AAAS |first=American Association for the Advancement of Science |author-link=American Association for the Advancement of Science |date=February 16, 2006 |title=Statement on the Teaching of Evolution |publisher=aaas.org |url=http://archives.aaas.org/docs/resolutions.php?doc_id=443 |access-date=April 24, 2015 }}
* InterAcademy Partnership: {{cite book |date=June 21, 2006 |title=IAP Statement on the Teaching of Evolution |publisher=interacademies.net |url=http://www.interacademies.net/10878/13901.aspx |access-date=April 24, 2015 |archive-date=July 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717190031/http://www.interacademies.net/10878/13901.aspx |url-status=dead }}
* [[National Science Teachers Association|NSTA]]: {{cite web |year=2007 |title=An NSTA Evolution Q&A |url=http://www.nsta.org/evolution/#qanda |access-date=April 24, 2015 }}
[[National Center for Science Education|NCSE]] maintains an extensive [http://ncse.com/media/voices/science list of statements]</ref> support for creationism is minimal among scientists in general, and virtually nonexistent among those in the following fields: [[biology]], [[paleontology]], [[geology]], ''etc''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Larson |first=Edward J. |author-link=Edward J. Larson |year=2004 |title=Evolution |publisher=Modern Library |isbn=0-679-64288-9 |page=[https://archive.org/details/evolutionremarka00lars/page/258 258] |quote=Virtually no secular scientists accepted the doctrines of [[creation science]]; but that did not deter creation scientists from advancing scientific arguments for their position. |url=https://archive.org/details/evolutionremarka00lars/page/258 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Martz |first1=Larry |last2=McDaniel |first2=Ann |date= June 29, 1987 |title=Keeping God out of the Classroom (Washington and bureau reports) |journal=Newsweek |pages=23–24 |volume=CIX |number=26 |publisher=Newsweek Inc. |issn=0028-9604 |quote="By one count there are some 700 scientists (out of a total of 480,000 U.S. earth and life scientists) who give credence to creation-science, the general theory that complex life forms did not evolve but appeared 'abruptly'."}}</ref> C. A. Chinn and L. A. Buckland classify his debate style, common among Young Earth Creationists, as [[eristic]]: focused on winning by rhetoric rather than illuminating by careful examination of evidence.<ref name="TaylorFerrari2012">{{cite book|last1=Chinn |first1=Clark A.|last2=Buckland|first2=Luke A.|editor-last1=Taylor|editor-first1=Roger S.|editor-last2=Ferrari|editor-first2=Michel|title=Epistemology and Science Education: Understanding the Evolution vs. Intelligent Design Controversy|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DKHHBQAAQBAJ&pg=PT102|date=March 28, 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-88599-0|page=61|chapter=Differences in Epistemic Practices of Scientists, Young Earth Creationists, Intelligent Design Creationists, and the Scientist-Creationists of Darwin's Era}}</ref>

In 1993, Hovind announced that he would debate the evolutionary biologist [[Stephen Jay Gould]], who had a longstanding opposition to debating Creationists and had turned down numerous challenges. When contacted about the announcement, Gould said he had never heard of Hovind, much less agreed to debate.<ref>{{citation|first=John|last=Cole|title=Gould to Debate Creationist—NOT|journal=NCSE Reports|date=Summer 1993|volume=13|number=2|page=9}}</ref>

In May 2004, [[Michael Shermer]] debated Hovind in front of a predominantly [[creationist]] audience. Shermer claimed the exchange was "not an intellectual exercise", but rather "an emotional drama", and concluded, "Unless there is a subject that is truly debatable with a format that is fair, in a forum that is balanced, it only serves to belittle both the magisterium of science and the magisterium of religion."<ref name="ShermerHovind">{{cite news | url=http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/04-05-10.html#miracle | title=Then a Miracle Occurs: An Obstreperous Evening with the Insouciant Kent Hovind, Young Earth Creationist and Defender of the Faith | publisher=[[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|eSkeptic Online]] | date=May 10, 2004 | first=Michael | last=Shermer | access-date=February 11, 2007 | archive-date=May 1, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090501225651/http://www.skeptic.com/eskeptic/04-05-10.html#miracle | url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Massimo Pigliucci]] also debated Hovind, and expressed surprise at Hovind's ignorance of evolutionary theory. Pigliucci recalled Hovind tried "to convince the audience that evolutionists believe humans came from rocks" and subsequently "evolved from bananas."<ref name="Pigliucci2002">{{cite book|last=Pigliucci|first=Massimo|author-link=Massimo Pigliucci|title=Denying Evolution: Creationism, Scientism, and the Nature of Science|date=January 1, 2002|publisher=W.H. Freeman|isbn=978-0-87893-659-5|page=[https://archive.org/details/denyingevolution00mass/page/102 102]|url=https://archive.org/details/denyingevolution00mass/page/102}}</ref> [[William Reville]], Director of Microscopy at [[University College Cork]], wrote that Hovind's ideas are not rational or scientific because they are not testable.<ref>{{Citation | last=Reville | first=William | title=Why would God dress the world in shades of evolution? | newspaper=Irish Times | date=November 16, 2000 | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/why-would-god-dress-the-world-in-shades-of-evolution-1.1116027 | access-date =April 7, 2015 }}</ref> Hovind has repeatedly declined offers for written debates where his claims would be scrutinized by scientists, including his decline of a debate offer from [[Dave Thomas (physicist)|Dave Thomas]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nmsr.org/hovind.htm | title=The C-Files: Kent Hovind| publisher=New Mexicans for Science and Reason |year= 2000 | last=Thomas | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Thomas (physicist) | access-date =October 17, 2012}}</ref>

During a debate with [[Farrell Till]], Hovind said that [[Donald Johanson]] had uncovered the leg bones of [[Australopithecus afarensis|Lucy]] at a different site over a mile away from the reported site, in a deeper [[stratum]], quipping, "I would like to know how fast the train was going that hit that chimpanzee."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theskepticalreview.com/tsrmag/1hovin94.html | title=On the Till-Hovind Debate |publisher=The Skeptical Review online | date= January–February 1994 | first=Karen | last=Bartelt | access-date = May 19, 2015}} reprinted in [http://www.reall.org/newsletter/v02/n03/ The REALL News] 2(2) (March 1994).</ref> This was clearly contrary to the published statements by Johanson. After Hovind had been informed in 1993 that his statement was false, he agreed to stop using the claim. When he repeated the claim in 1995, he once more agreed he was in error.<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 | access-date = December 3, 2015}} A version appears as [http://www.skeptics.com.au/wp-content/uploads/magazine/The%20Skeptic%20Volume%2015%20(1995)%20No%204.pdf Lucy's Knee Joint: How creationists deal with their errors] in [[The Skeptic (Australian magazine)|the Skeptic]] 15(4):34–6 (Summer 1995). Retrieved December 3, 2015.</ref>

=== $250,000 offer ===
In 1990, Hovind made a $10,000 offer to anyone who could meet a set of requirements he said would prove evolution, and he later raised the amount to $250,000.<ref name="offer">{{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/read-article.php?id=66 | title=Hovind's $250,000 Offer | year= 2009 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | access-date = April 24, 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090424080647/http://www.drdino.com/read-article.php?id=66 |archive-date = April 24, 2009}}</ref> In 2007, Creation Science Evangelism removed the offer from its website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.creationtoday.org/teaching-evolution-indoctrination-as-education/ |title=Teaching Evolution|publisher=CreationToday.org |date=October 14, 2012|access-date=October 14, 2012}}</ref>

{{blockquote|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 name="offer"/>

...

<nowiki>*</nowiki>NOTE: When I use the word evolution, 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:

# Time, space, and matter came into existence by themselves.
# Planets and stars formed from space dust.
# Matter created life by itself.
# Early life-forms learned to reproduce themselves.
# 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).}}

The premises of Hovind's offer have been rejected both by scientists and fellow creationists as fundamentally flawed.<ref name="CMIIntegrity"/><ref name="talkorigins"/> Hovind's conditions would require a claimant not only to prove the theory of evolution, but also [[abiogenesis]], [[astrophysics]] and [[cosmology]], and additionally prove that no gods could possibly exist.<ref name=talkorigins>{{cite web|url=http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind.html|title=Kent Hovind's $250,000 Offer|publisher=[[Talk Origins Archive]]|first=John|last=Pieret|date=July 18, 2002|access-date=June 18, 2009}}</ref> The judges would be hand-picked without assurances that they would be unbiased or qualified to assess the merit of claims, and it is possible that no panel was convened when a claim was submitted. Some forms of evidence would be excluded prior to judging.<ref name="Isaak2007">{{cite book|last=Isaak|first=Mark |title=The Counter-creationism Handbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dGFJXLEWogEC&pg=PA29|date=January 2007|publisher=University of California Press|isbn=978-0-520-24926-4|pages=29–30}}</ref>

[[Answers in Genesis]] dismissed the challenge as a gimmick.<ref name="MooreDecker2008"/>{{rp|172–3}} A 2005 challenge on ''[[Boing Boing]]'' offered $250,000 to anyone who could prove that the [[Flying Spaghetti Monster]] (the deity of a parody religion constructed to make a point about giving time to alternative views on evolution) was not the father of Jesus.<ref>{{cite news | title='Spaghetti Monster' is noodling around with faith | first=Dan | last=Vergano | periodical= USA Today | date= March 26, 2006 | url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-03-26-spaghetti-monster_x.htm | access-date=May 16, 2015}}</ref>

=== Political activity ===
In 1999, a [[Bradenton, Florida]] pastor asked the school board to consider adding Creationism to the curriculum. The school board chairman's actions raised issues when, in his capacity as a citizen, he helped fund a series of seminars by Hovind, but he was within ethical guidelines. More controversy was raised when a school employee was sent to videotape the lectures, although without intention for rebroadcast.<ref>{{Citation|last= Ayres|first=Annette|date=December 2, 1999|title=Ethics Question Arises from Creationism|newspaper=Bradenton Herald|page=Local 1}}</ref> Ultimately, there was no curriculum change.<ref>{{cite book|last=Haught|first=Brandon |title=Going Ape: Florida's Battles Over Evolution in the Classroom|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=coRmngEACAAJ|year=2014|publisher=University Press of Florida|isbn=978-0-8130-4943-4|pages=145–7}}</ref>

Hovind was criticized for his involvement with [[Arkansas House of Representatives|Arkansas state Representative]] [[Jim Holt (Arkansas politician)|Jim Holt]]'s Anti-Evolution Bill in 2001 (House Bill 2548).<ref name="Hovindconnection">Don Michael, "The Hovind connection: Check your facts, legislators." ''Northwest Arkansas Times''. April 5, 2001</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://ncse.com/news/2003/04/potential-anti-evolution-legislation-louisiana-00400 | title=Potential anti-evolution legislation in Louisiana | publisher=[[National Center for Science Education]] |date= April 24, 2003 | access-date = February 19, 2007}}</ref> This bill "would have required that when public schools refer to evolution that it be identified as an unproven theory." Opponents of the bill worried that it would subject Arkansas to the same type of derision that occurred when the state's balanced-treatment law was struck down in ''[[McLean v. Arkansas]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/159282/ | title='Extremist' Holt? Well, depends on who's asked| publisher=[[Arkansas Democrat-Gazette]] | date= July 2, 2006 | first=Michael| last=Wickline | access-date = October 19, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060716110826/http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/159282/ |archive-date = July 16, 2006}}</ref> Holt called upon Hovind as an expert who "testified for Holt before the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs Committee, alleging much of the information pertaining to evolution in our science textbooks is false."<ref name="Hovindconnection"/>

In 2007, [[David Vitter]] added a $100,000 [[Earmark (politics)|earmark]] in a [[U.S. Senate]] appropriations bill, directed towards the [[Louisiana Family Forum]] "to develop a plan to promote better science education". Their website included a document, {{"'}}A Battle Plan—Practical Steps to Combat Evolution' by Kent Hovind". After a reporter's inquiries, the document, which called evolution "not a harmless theory but a dangerous religious belief" and blamed it for atrocities by [[Adolf Hitler]], [[Joseph Stalin]], and [[Pol Pot]], was removed from their website. The earmark was withdrawn from the bill.<ref name="Blumenthal2010"/><ref>{{cite journal |title=The Rise and Fall of the Vitter Earmark |first=Glenn |last=Branch |url=http://ncse.com/rncse/27/5-6/rise-fall-vitter-earmark |journal=Reports of the National Center for Science Education (Online Edition) | publisher=[[National Center for Science Education|NCSE]] |date=September–December 2007 | volume=27 | number=5–6 | pages=9–12 |access-date=April 30, 2015}}</ref>

=== Chick tracts ===
The most widely distributed antievolution work, ''Big Daddy?'',<ref name="MooreDecker2008Chick">{{cite book|last1=Moore|first1=Randy |last2=Decker|first2=Mark D. |title=More Than Darwin: An Encyclopedia of the People and Places of the Evolution-creationism Controversy|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zBI7AQAAIAAJ|year=2008|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0-313-34155-7|pages=55–7|chapter=Jack Chick (b. 1924)}}</ref> was first published in 1972<ref group="notes">There may also be a 1970 version.</ref><ref name="WorldOfChick">{{cite book|author= R.B.F. (Robert B. Fowler) |title=The World of Chick?|year=2001|publisher=[[Last Gasp (publisher)|Last Gasp]]|isbn=0-86719-512-6|pages=2–9}}</ref> and revised several times; it is one of the controversial [[Chick tract]]s, comic strips intended to convert people to [[fundamentalist Christianity]].<ref name="Burack2008">{{cite book|last=Burack|first=Cynthia |title=Sin, Sex, and Democracy: Antigay Rhetoric and the Christian Right|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=28AuhrNkqfIC&pg=PA54|date=April 17, 2008|publisher=SUNY Press|isbn=978-0-7914-7406-8|pages=54–63}}</ref> Material from Hovind was incorporated into the 2000 revision.<ref name="WorldOfChick"/><ref>[http://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0055/0055_01.asp Big Daddy?], tract from Chick Publications.</ref><ref>Article from Chick Publications ''Battle Cry'' July/August 2000 Newsletter, [http://www.chick.com/bc/2000/dinosaurs.asp Author Claims Some Dinosaurs Live Today!]</ref>

=== Miscellaneous ===
Hovind believes that the [[King James Version]] is the [[King James Only movement|most accurate English-language Bible translation]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8_SU-qKlig | title=Why use the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible? | website=[[YouTube]] | date=February 23, 2021 }}</ref>

== Politics and conspiracy theories ==

Hovind has made controversial remarks regarding conspiracies, science, creation, equal rights, religion, and government. His presentations on creationism and evolution are a mix of [[Christian Fundamentalism]] and [[conspiracy theory|conspiracy theories]].<ref name="ShermerHovind"/> His creationist presentations have asserted that [[creationism]] is not taught in public schools due to a [[New World Order (conspiracy theory)|New World Order conspiracy]], established by [[Satan]] and involving [[Ted Turner]] and [[Jane Fonda]], the [[British royal family]], the [[State of Israel]], the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] (which he calls "the American Communist Lawyers Union"), U.S. government officials, business leaders, and social activists. In May 1999, he claimed "the implementation of the NWO's world-domination plan was May 5, 2000."<ref name="Holley2015"/><ref name="Delphia">{{cite news | url=http://ncse.com/rncse/19/5/dr-dino-does-delphia | title=Dr Dino Does 'Delphia | publisher=[[National Center for Science Education]] |year= 1999 | access-date = February 19, 2007}}</ref>

Hovind has promoted several conspiracy theories about the U.S. government. He has [[9/11 conspiracy theories|claimed that the U.S. government was behind]] the [[9/11 attacks]]<ref name="Blumenthal2010">{{cite book|author=Max Blumenthal|title=Republican Gomorrah: Inside the Movement that Shattered the Party|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Oa-TsVnbYUIC&pg=PA180|date=July 13, 2010|publisher=Nation Books|isbn=978-1-56858-417-1|page=180}}</ref> and the [[Oklahoma City bombing]].<ref name="MooreDecker2008"/> Regarding [[UFO]]s, Hovind recommends books by conspiracy theorists who believe "some UFO's are U.S. Government experiments with electrogravitic propulsion as opposed to jet propulsion, while others are Satanic apparitions."<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=faq&specific=37 | title=What about UFO's? | publisher= DrDino.com (Archived) |year= 2003 | access-date=November 11, 2001 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20030618222837/http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=faq&specific=37 | archive-date=June 18, 2003}}</ref><ref name="DinosaursExistGuardian">"Alberta: Evangelist says dinosaurs existed in God's world," [[The Guardian (Charlottetown)|The Guardian (Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island)]], December 2, 2000</ref> The [[Southern Poverty Law Center]] (SPLC) criticized Hovind for referring followers to books by [[Irwin Schiff]],<ref name="SPLC2004"/> a [[tax protester]] who has been convicted of [[tax evasion]] multiple times.<ref>{{Citation| last=Stratton | first=Jeff | date=February 1, 2011 | title=The Evaders | periodical=Seattle Weekly News | url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2011-02-02/news/the-evaders/ | access-date=April 4, 2015 }}</ref> The SPLC has criticized Hovind for "point[ing] his followers to ''[[Citizens Rule Book]]'', popular among [[Christian Patriot movement|antigovernment 'Patriots']], and to ''Media Bypass'', an antigovernment magazine with strong [[antisemitic]] leanings",<ref name="SPLC2004"/> and for selling of books such as [[Des Griffin]]'s ''[[Fourth Reich of the Rich]]'' and Peter Kershaw's ''[[In Caesar's Grip]]'', and recommending ''[[The Protocols of the Elders of Zion]]'', a well-known [[antisemitism|antisemitic]] hoax.<ref name="radicalreligion"/>

Hovind claims that the [[cyanide]]-releasing compound [[Amygdalin|laetrile]] is a "[[Alternative cancer treatments|cancer cure]]" which the U.S. government is conspiring to suppress<ref name="CSICOP"/><ref>{{cite journal |author=American Cancer Society |title=Unproven methods of cancer management. Laetrile |journal=CA Cancer J Clin |volume=41 |issue=3 |pages=187–92 |year=1991 |pmid=1902140 |doi=10.3322/canjclin.41.3.187|s2cid=5932239 |doi-access=free }}</ref> and that diseases including [[HIV]], [[Gulf war syndrome]], [[Crohn's colitis]], and [[rheumatoid arthritis]] and [[Alzheimer's]] were engineered by "the money masters and governments of the world" for the purpose of global economic domination.<ref name="Blumenthal2010"/><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=articles&specific=53 | title=Man Made Plagues | publisher= DrDino.com (archived) |date= July 28, 2001 | first=Kent | last=Hovind | access-date =August 17, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040225004330/http://www.drdino.com/cse.asp?pg=articles&specific=53 | archive-date= February 25, 2004}}</ref> He has denounced [[democracy]] as "evil and contrary to God's law",<ref name="radicalreligion">{{cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2001/creationism-gets-dash-anti-semitism |year=2001|publisher=Southern Poverty Law Center|title=Radical Religion: Creationism gets a dash of anti-Semitism|access-date=April 14, 2006}}</ref> and called [[global warming]] a communist conspiracy.<ref name="DinosaursExistGuardian"/>

In his lectures, he claimed that the United States government was implanting [[Microchip implant (animal)|pet-tracking microchips]] into people allowing them to be tracked by satellite,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.royalse.com/scroll/evolve/ch4p5ng.html | title=Unmasking the False Religion of Evolution, Based on the fact filled, and exciting seminars of Dr. Kent Hovind, Chapter 4: Evolution, the Foundation For Communism, Nazism and Socialism (part 5) |website= DrDino.com | publisher= Creation Science Evangelism |year= 1999 |first1=Robert T. |last1=Weaver |first2=Shirley |last2=Norris| access-date=November 11, 2001 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20010312054117/http://www.royalse.com/scroll/evolve/ch4p5ng.html | archive-date= March 12, 2001}}</ref> even though the transponder range made that impossible.<ref name="MarkoftheBeastBS">{{cite magazine | url=http://archive.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/1996/12/1126 | title=BS Detector: Mark of the Beast in an Implantable Microchip | magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date= December 23, 1996 | first=Mark | last=Frauenfelder | access-date = May 31, 2015}}</ref> On his website, Hovind associated the [[UPC bar code]] with the [[Mark of the beast|Mark of the Beast]], and wrote that there were reports of people paying for groceries by having their hands scanned in 1999.<ref name="Forrest"/><ref name="radicalreligion"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc9.htm |title=Miscellaneous Questions and Answers: What about the Mark of the Beast? |date=November 8, 1999 |website=drdino.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000622120807/http://www.drdino.com/FAQs/FAQmisc9.htm |archive-date=June 22, 2000}}</ref>

== YouTube copyright controversy ==
[[File:HovindCopyrightNotice.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Kent Hovind/Creation Science Evangelism copyright policy prior to September 2007]]

On September 16, 2007, the [[Rational Response Squad]] (RRS) complained that Creation Science Evangelism was filing spurious [[DMCA]] requests that had caused RRS [[YouTube]] videos to be taken down and the RRS YouTube account to be banned.<ref name="WiredHovind">{{cite magazine | url=http://archive.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/news/2007/09/youtube_dmca | title=YouTube Supports "Fraudulent" Creationist DMCA Claim | magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date= September 16, 2007 | access-date =December 9, 2015 | first=Rob | last=Beschizza}}</ref> In response to the copyright claims, the RRS threatened a lawsuit.<ref name="RRS">{{cite news | url=http://www.rationalresponders.com/forum/rational_response_squad_alerts/rational_response_squad_alerts/9978 | title=We're Ready to Help Sue Creation Science Evangelism | publisher=[[Rational Response Squad]] |date= September 14, 2007 | access-date =September 17, 2007}}</ref><ref name="Christian Post">{{cite news |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/atheists-blast-creationists-in-copyright-battle-29487/ |title=Atheists Blast Creationists in Copyright Battle |newspaper=The Christian Post |date=September 28, 2007 |last=Black |first=Nathan |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150105052944/http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070928/29487_Atheists_Blast_Creationists_in_Copyright_Battle.htm |archive-date=January 5, 2015 |access-date=May 26, 2018 |url-status=unfit}}</ref>

At the time of the complaints, the CSE's website indicated the videos were not copyrighted, and the CSE encouraged copying and distributing them.<ref name="WiredHovind"/> Five days later, the CSE copyright page was changed to say that copied material must be left unedited.<ref name="Ars Technica">{{cite web | url=https://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070919-dr-dino-uses-dmca-takedowns-on-critics-admits-to-mistakes.html | title=Creationists, atheists battle over copyrights, criticism, and the DMCA| website=Ars Technica |date= September 19, 2007 | first=Nate | last=Anderson | access-date =September 27, 2009}}</ref> According to a spokesperson for the [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]], CSE's claim was "clearly bogus",<ref name="WiredHovind September 25">{{cite magazine | url=https://www.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/news/2007/09/youtube_dmca | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229174739/http://www.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/news/2007/09/youtube_dmca | archive-date=December 29, 2013 | title=Creationist vs. Atheist YouTube War Marks New Breed of Copyright Claim | magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |date= September 25, 2007 |access-date =September 25, 2007}}</ref> and as of September 25, 2007, the Rational Response Squad account had been reinstated, and some of the videos had been put back online.<ref name="WiredHovind September 25"/>

== Legal issues ==

=== Escambia County (2002–2006) ===
<!-- There is a link to this section by the "see below" in the "Dinosaur Adventure Land" section. If the title of this section is changed, please correct the link. -->

On August 15, 2002, Hovind was arrested for assault, battery, and burglary in an incident with a CSE secretary. The charges were dropped in December.<ref name="CSICOP"/><ref name="MooreDecker2008"/><ref>[http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=224589 Case number 2002 CF 004020 A] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518085813/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=224589 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, December 9, 2002. [http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ Escambia County, Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211085500/http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ |date=February 11, 2005 }}. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref>

On September 13, 2002, Hovind was charged with failure to observe county zoning regulations for Dinosaur Adventure Land, a [[misdemeanor]].<ref name="CSICOP"/> In April 2006, the Dinosaur Adventure Land buildings were closed by county officials, and the [[Florida circuit courts|Florida circuit court]] found the owners in contempt, ordering fines of $500 for each day the buildings were used.<ref name="ParkExtinction">{{cite news|url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/NEWS01/604070340/1006 |title=Park could face extinction: Lack of building permits closes dinosaur museum |publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=April 7, 2006 |first=William |last=Rabb |access-date=October 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060713021808/http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060407%2FNEWS01%2F604070340%2F1006 |archive-date=July 13, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Hovind argued he did not need a permit due to the nature of the building, but after a 5-year court battle over the $50 building permit, on June 5, 2006, Hovind pleaded ''[[nolo contendere]]'' as charged to three counts: constructing a building without a permit, refusing to sign a citation,<ref name=mm023489a>[http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=1112914 Case #2001 MM 023489 A] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518091322/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=1112914 |date=May 18, 2015 }} decided June 5, 2006, recorded by [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215317/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx |date=October 4, 2013 }}. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref> and violating the county building code.<ref name="ParkExtinction"/><ref name=mm026670a>[http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=558768 Case #2002 MM 026670 A] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092834/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml/xmlBM.asp?ucase_id=558768 |date=May 18, 2015 }} decided June 5, 2006, recorded by [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215317/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx |date=October 4, 2013 }}. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref> Hovind paid fines totaling $675.<ref name=mm023489a/><ref name=mm026670a/>

=== Federal civil tax matters, bankruptcy, and renouncing citizenship (1996–2006) ===

Hovind was originally reported to the Internal Revenue Service by [[Pensacola Christian College]] senior vice President Rebekah Horton in the mid-1990s, after she learned of Hovind's anti-tax stand.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748329211.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+20%2C+2006&author=Angela+Fail&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Christian+College+leader+says+taxes+are+part+of+religion | 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 | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033618/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748329211.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+20%2C+2006&author=Angela+Fail&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Christian+College+leader+says+taxes+are+part+of+religion | url-status=dead }}</ref> Hovind's organization had neither business licenses nor tax-exempt status,<ref name="ParkFinance">{{cite news | url=http://www.sptimes.com/2004/04/18/State/Biblical_theme_park_s.shtml | title=Biblical theme park's finances investigated |date=April 18, 2004 | access-date=April 17, 2015 | periodical=Saint Petersburg Times | agency=Associated Press}}</ref> nor was it considered a church by people who worked there.<ref name="begins">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748327931.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+18%2C+2006&author=Angela+Fail&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Evangelist%27s+trial+begins | 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 | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033927/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748327931.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+18%2C+2006&author=Angela+Fail&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Evangelist%27s+trial+begins | url-status=dead }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref><ref name="employees">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748328811.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+19%2C+2006&author=Amy+Sowder&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Employees+testify+in+%27Dr.+Dino%27+tax+trial | title=Workers testify in 'Dr. Dino' trial | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=October 19, 2006 | first=Amy | last=Sowder | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033916/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748328811.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+19%2C+2006&author=Amy+Sowder&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Employees+testify+in+%27Dr.+Dino%27+tax+trial | url-status=dead }}</ref> The ministry's organizational structure was described by the [[United States Tax Court]] as appearing to be "based on various questionable trust documents purchased from Glen Stoll, a known promoter of tax avoidance schemes", leading the Court to conclude 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"/>

According to the IRS, Hovind earned $50,000 a year through speaking engagements,<ref group="notes">In 2004, Hovind told ''The New York Times'' that he had 700 speaking engagements per year.</ref><ref name="DarwinfreeNYT"/> and in 2002 alone, CSE sold more than $1.8 million in merchandise.<ref>{{cite news | 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 | url=http://archive.pnj.com/article/20061031/NEWS01/610310326/IRS-agent-testifies-Hovind-trial | access-date=April 28, 2015 | archive-date=May 27, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527150242/http://archive.pnj.com/article/20061031/NEWS01/610310326/IRS-agent-testifies-Hovind-trial | url-status=dead }}</ref> On average, Hovind made bank deposits in excess of $1 million each 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|newspaper=[[St. Petersburg Times]] |date=April 18, 2004 | access-date = August 18, 2006}}</ref> and eventually that grew to about $2 million a year.<ref name="hardtobelive">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748336851.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+3%2C+2006&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Hard+to+believe+a+man+with+a+Ph.D+didn%27t+know+of+a+basic+tax+law | 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 | access-date=October 3, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033718/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748336851.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+3%2C+2006&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Hard+to+believe+a+man+with+a+Ph.D+didn%27t+know+of+a+basic+tax+law | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first=Mark |last=O'Brien |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1736553751.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+21%2C+2007&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Earth+to+%27Dr.+Dino%27%3A+Please+pay+your+taxes+and+start+facing+reality |title=Earth to 'Dr. Dino': Please pay your taxes and start facing reality |publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=January 21, 2007 |access-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033901/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1736553751.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+21%2C+2007&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Earth+to+%27Dr.+Dino%27%3A+Please+pay+your+taxes+and+start+facing+reality |url-status=dead }}</ref> About half that income went to employees who were salaried or were paid hourly wages. However, Hovind derived "substantial revenue" from these activities that appeared to be "income to [him] personally".<ref name="TCM2006-143">''Hovind v. Commissioner'', [http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/InOpHistoric/Hovind.TCM.WPD.pdf T.C. Memo 2006-143] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170126012114/http://www.ustaxcourt.gov/inophistoric/hovind.tcm.wpd.pdf |date=January 26, 2017 }}, CCH December 56,562(M) (2006).</ref>

{{Wikisource|The Hovind Bankruptcy Decision}}

On March 1, 1996, Hovind filed a Chapter 13 [[Bankruptcy in the United States|bankruptcy]] petition to avoid paying federal [[Income tax in the United States|income taxes]], claiming he was not a citizen of the United States and that he did not earn income.<ref name="Bankruptcy">''In re Hovind'', case no. 96-04256, U.S. Bankr. Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.), 197 B.R. 157 (Bankr. N.D. Fla. 1996), at [https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=539875815124931702&q=%22Hovind%22&as_sdt=4,253,254,255,262,263,264,265,266,267].</ref> He claimed that as a minister, everything he owned belonged to [[God]] and he was not subject to paying taxes for doing God's work.<ref name="Brunson2018">{{cite book|author=Samuel D. Brunson|title=God and the IRS: Accommodating Religious Practice in United States Tax Law|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vHVSDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA56|date=April 19, 2018|publisher=Cambridge University Press|isbn=978-1-316-82116-9|pages=56–57}}</ref> On June 5, 1996, the Court dismissed Hovind's bankruptcy case, finding he had lied about his possessions and income. The court upheld the IRS's determination that his claim "was filed in bad faith for the sole purpose of avoiding payment of federal income taxes" and called Hovind's arguments "patently absurd". It also said that "the IRS has no record of the debtor ever having filed a federal income tax return."<ref name="Bankruptcy"/>

In 1998, the IRS requested account information about Hovind from an internet provider after Hovind made claims on an internet broadcast about his own [[Tax noncompliance|tax law noncompliance]], going back to the 1970s. When the provider initially balked, the courts granted a subpoena on the basis that the IRS could demonstrate that Hovind had received income but had filed no income tax returns going back to 1991.<ref name="Baruh2007">{{cite journal | last=Baruh | first=Lemi | title=Read at your own risk: shrinkage of privacy and interactive media | journal=New Media & Society | volume=9 | issue=2 | year=2007 | pages=187–211 |issn=1461-4448 |doi=10.1177/1461444807072220| s2cid=34640198 }}</ref> In 2003, Hovind would tell ''The New York Times'', "I haven't filed a tax return in 30 years."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/10/02/technology/your-own-affair-more-vcr-or-less-mp3.html | title=Your Own Affair, More (VCR) or Less (MP3) | newspaper=The New York Times |date= October 2, 2003 | access-date = February 27, 2015}}</ref>

{{Wikisource|Kent Hovind 2005 Affidavit}}

On May 13, 1998, Hovind and his wife filed a "Power of Attorney and Revocation of Signature" document in [[Escambia County, Florida|Escambia County]] which would nullify any of their promises, debts, or legal agreements made prior to April 15, 1998. 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'," and argued that [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] is a "[[Ponzi scheme]]". The document referred to the [[United States Government]] as "the 'bankrupt' corporate government", renounced the Hovinds' [[United States citizenship]] and [[Social Security number]]s to become "a natural citizen of 'America' and a natural sojourner", and referred to their home state of Florida as "the State of Florida Body-Politic Corporation."<ref name="PowerofAttorney">[http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=1998483189 "Power of attorney and revocation of signature"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092851/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=1998483189 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, May 5, 1998. Filed with [http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ Escambia County, Florida Clerks Office] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211085500/http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ |date=February 11, 2005 }} as Instrument #1998483189. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref> Judges and the IRS did not appear to honor this as a legally relevant document in future decisions.<ref name="pleads"/> In 2002, Hovind was again delinquent in paying his taxes, and unsuccessfully sued the IRS for harassment.<ref name="pleads">{{cite news|url=http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060718/NEWS01/607180319/1006 |title=Park owner pleads not guilty to tax fraud: Evangelist says he's owned by God |publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=July 18, 2006 |first=Michael |last=Stewart |access-date=August 17, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060721005125/http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20060718%2FNEWS01%2F607180319%2F1006 |archive-date=July 21, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{{Wikisource|Kent Hovind v Scott Schneider}}

At various times, the government alleged that Hovind had not filed personal U.S. federal income tax returns for the years 1989 through 1997.<ref>''In re Hovind'', 197 B.R. 157 (Bankr. N.D. Fla. 1996); ''Hovind v. Commissioner'', T.C. Memo 2006-143, CCH Dec. 56,562(M) (2006).</ref> In the spring of 2004, the IRS conducted an audit and criminal investigation regarding Hovind's unfiled personal Federal income tax for 1995 through 1997.<ref name="TCM2006-143"/> IRS agent Scott Schneider said, "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 name="ParkFinance"/> On June 3, 2004, the IRS executed a search warrant on Hovind's home and businesses to confiscate financial records and attempt to deliver notices of Federal [[tax lien]]s of $504,957.24, which Hovind refused to accept.<ref name="TCM2006-143"/><ref>[http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/116/11.0.html IRS Raids Home and Business of Creationist] ''Christianity Today'' April 19, 2004</ref><ref name="taxliens">The following instruments were recorded by the [http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ Escambia County Clerk] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050211085500/http://www.clerk.co.escambia.fl.us/ |date=February 11, 2005 }} on June 3, 2004: [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247800 2004247800] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092917/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247800 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247801 2004247801] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092856/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247801 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247804 2004247804] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092901/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247804 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247805 2004247805] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092915/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247805 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247810 2004247810] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092905/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247810 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247812 2004247812] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092932/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2004247812 |date=May 18, 2015 }}. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref> Agents confiscated $42,000 in cash found in various places in the residence. Six guns were present, including an [[SKS]] semiautomatic rifle.<ref name="pleads"/> That day, Hovind withdrew $70,000 from the CSE bank account, half in cash.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news | title='Dr. Dino,' wife guilty | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=November 2, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | url=http://archive.pnj.com/article/20061102/NEWS01/611020330/-Dr-Dino-wife-guilty | access-date=April 28, 2015 | archive-date=May 18, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102401/http://archive.pnj.com/article/20061102/NEWS01/611020330/-Dr-Dino-wife-guilty | url-status=dead }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref>

{{Wikisource|Kent Hovind v Commissioner of Internal Revenue}}

On July 7, 2006, the [[United States Tax Court]] found that Hovind was deficient in paying his federal income taxes in 1995–1997, totaling $520,099. The Tax Court ruled that the IRS had a valid [[lien]] on Hovind's property and said that Hovind's defense was based on "bizarre arguments, some of which constitute [[tax protester arguments]] involving excise taxes and the alleged '100% voluntary' nature of the income tax."<ref name="TCM2006-143"/> With penalties, he owed $3.3 million for tax years 1998–2006 by 2013.<ref name="PayTaxes2013">{{cite news | title='Dr. Dino' ordered to pay taxes, penalties | last=Heisig | first=Eric | date=May 23, 2013 | periodical=Pensacola News Journal | url=http://www.pnj.com/article/20130523/NEWS01/305230028/-Dr-Dino-ordered-pay-taxes-penalties}} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref><ref>[https://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/DocumentViewer.aspx?IndexID=6019947 Order and decision] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011085329/https://www.ustaxcourt.gov/UstcDockInq/DocumentViewer.aspx?IndexID=6019947 |date=October 11, 2016 }}, United States Tax Court, Docket 4245-10. May 15, 2003.</ref> Jo Hovind was ordered to pay $1.6 million.<ref name="TCM2012-281"/><ref name="PayTaxes2013"/>

=== Federal criminal tax-related trial and convictions in 2006 ===

On July 11, 2006, Hovind was [[Indictment|indicted]] on 58 counts in the [[United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida|District Court in Northern Florida]] in Pensacola. The first 12 counts were charges for willful failure to collect, account for, and pay over federal income taxes and [[FICA]] taxes in connection with the CSE operation, totaling $473,818 for the 12 fiscal quarters of 2001–2003. The next 45 counts were charges for knowingly structuring transactions by making multiple cash withdrawals totaling $430,500 in amounts just under the $10,000 which requires reporting (a technique known as "[[structuring]]"), for which his wife was also charged. The last count was a charge of corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws by falsely listing the IRS as his only creditor when filing for bankruptcy, filing a false and frivolous lawsuit against the IRS in which he demanded damages for criminal trespass, making threats of harm to those investigating him and to those who might consider cooperating with the investigation, filing a false complaint against IRS agents investigating him, filing a false criminal complaint against IRS special agents (criminal investigators), and destroying records.<ref>[https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/HovindIndictment.pdf 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 (July 11, 2006).</ref><ref name="arrested">{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1755911431.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+14%2C+2006&author=Michael+Stewart&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Evangelist+arrested+on+federal+charges | title= Evangelist arrested on federal charges | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= July 14, 2006| first=Michael | last=Stewart |access-date=April 10, 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033638/https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1755911431.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+14%2C+2006&author=Michael+Stewart&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Evangelist+arrested+on+federal+charges |archive-date= March 9, 2013 }} [http://forums.steroid.com/news/252225-evangelist-arrested-federal-charges.html forums.steroid.com]</ref><ref name="arrested2">{{cite news | title=58 charges against anti-evolution speaker | publisher=[[The York Dispatch]] | date= July 20, 2006 | first=Christina | last=Kauffmann}}</ref> Because of reports of weapons on the Hovind property, the indictment was originally sealed for fear of danger to the arresting agents.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://ncse.com/news/2006/07/kent-hovind-arrested-federal-charges-00795| title=Kent Hovind arrested on federal charges | publisher=[[National Center for Science Education]] | date= July 14, 2006 | access-date = October 18, 2006}}</ref>

{{Wikisource|United States of America v Kent Hovind and Jo Hovind}}

At [[arraignment]], Hovind claimed incomprehension to the charges, telling the court: "I still don't understand what I'm being charged for and who is charging me."<ref name="arrested"/> The presiding [[United States magistrate judge|magistrate judge]] asked Hovind if he wrote and spoke English, to which Hovind responded, "To some degree." The judge 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=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1755914471.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+19%2C+2006&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Creationist%27s+fight+with+Uncle+Sam+may+evolve+into+painful+defeat | title=Creationist's fight with Uncle Sam may evolve into painful defeat | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=July 19, 2006 | first=Michael | last=Stewart | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033849/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1755914471.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+19%2C+2006&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Creationist%27s+fight+with+Uncle+Sam+may+evolve+into+painful+defeat | url-status=dead }}</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. When asked about his home, Hovind called it a "church parish", and denied any residence except the "church of Jesus Christ", worldwide.<ref name="pleads"/> Hovind's passport and guns were seized. Hovind protested, arguing that he needed his passport to continue his evangelism work, and that "thousands and thousands" were waiting to hear him preach in South Africa the following month. The court refused to reconsider, accepting the argument that "like-minded people" might secret Hovind away if he left the country.<ref name="arrested"/>

The trial began on October 21, 2006. Hovind hoped to convince a jury that his amusement park admission and merchandise sales, over $5 million from 1999 through March 2004, belonged to God and could not be taxed.<ref name="begins"/> Evidence produced at the trial revealed that Jo Hovind had requested financial assistance from Baptist Healthcare by claiming that the Hovinds had no income.<ref name="PNJdenyincome"/> IRS agents told the court how Hovind had attempted "bullying tactics" and had sued the government three times to pressure them to stop investigating. The lawsuits had been thrown out.<ref name="begins"/> The prosecution countered attempts to describe workers as missionaries, ministers, and volunteers, introducing memos in which they had been called employees. Workers testified that they had to punch time cards, had vacation and sick days, and did not receive [[Form W-2|W-2 tax forms]]. After the IRS executed the search warrant, employees were required to sign [[non-disclosure agreement]]s to remain employed.<ref name="employees"/> A lawyer who did work for a non-profit Christian organization testified that Hovind claimed to have "beat" the tax system and that he favored cash transactions because they were untraceable and, consequently, untaxable.<ref name="detailedactions">{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748332621.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+21%2C+2006&author=Michael+Stewart&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Lawyer%3A+Hovind+detailed+actions |title=Lawyer: Hovind detailed actions: Evangelist said he 'beat the system' |first=Michael |last=Stewart |publisher=Pensacola News Journal |date=October 21, 2006 |access-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033649/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748332621.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+21%2C+2006&author=Michael+Stewart&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Lawyer%3A+Hovind+detailed+actions |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Hovind's lawyer engaged in a lengthy [[cross-examination]] of the lead IRS investigator,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://secure.pqarchiver.com/pnj/doc/436024111.html?FMT=FT |title=Judge admonishes attorney in Hovind case |newspaper=Pensacola News Journal |date=November 1, 2006 |last=Lozare |first=Nicole |page=A1 |access-date=July 14, 2016}}</ref> and the case ended on November 1 with the defense calling no witnesses.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748335791.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+2%2C+2006&author=Nicole+Lozare&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Hovind+defense+lawyers+call+no+witnesses+in+case | title=Hovind defense lawyers call no witnesses in case | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=November 2, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033841/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748335791.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+2%2C+2006&author=Nicole+Lozare&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Hovind+defense+lawyers+call+no+witnesses+in+case | url-status=dead }}</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 45 for his wife.<ref name="WifeSentenced">{{cite news | title=Creationist theme park owner's wife sentenced. | date=June 29, 2007 | url=https://www.foxnews.com/story/creationist-theme-park-owners-wife-sentenced | publisher=Fox News | agency=AP | access-date=April 25, 2015 }}</ref> The ''[[Pensacola News Journal]]'' said, "The saddest thing: had they cooperated with the agents, they probably wouldn't be worrying about prison sentences now."<ref name="hardtobelive"/>

=== Sentencing, appeals, and imprisonment (2007–2019) ===

After the convictions and pending sentencing, Hovind was incarcerated in the Escambia County Jail as a "danger to the community" and a flight risk.<ref name="Guilty">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748336821.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+3%2C+2006&author=Nicole+Lozare&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=%27Dr.+Dino%27+guilty+on+all+counts | title='Dr. Dino' guilty on all counts: Couple could get more than 200 years | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=November 3, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033732/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748336821.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Nov+3%2C+2006&author=Nicole+Lozare&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=%27Dr.+Dino%27+guilty+on+all+counts | url-status=dead }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref> His wife would remain free until after the appeal.<ref name="sentencesupheld">{{cite news |url=https://www.religionnewsblog.com/23136/kent-hovind-2 |via=Religion News Blog |title=Tax-evasion sentences upheld for 'Dr. Dino' and wife |publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=January 8, 2009 |access-date=August 15, 2023 |page=B.2}} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref>

On January 19, 2007, Hovind was sentenced to ten years in prison with three years' probation and ordered to pay the federal government restitution of over $600,000. During the sentencing phase, a tearful Hovind, hoping to avoid prison, told 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 | title=10 years for 'Dr. Dino'| publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date= January 19, 2007| first=Michael | last=Stewart}}</ref> However, Hovind's court room behavior was in stark contrast to phone calls he made while in jail and played by the prosecution.<ref name="Decade">{{cite news | url=http://archive.pnj.com/article/20070120/NEWS01/701200319/A-decade-Dr-Dino-?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jan+20%2C+2007&author=Michael+Stewart&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=A+decade+for+%27Dr.+Dino%27 | title=A decade for 'Dr. Dino': Kent Hovind gets 10 years for violating federal tax law | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=January 20, 2007 | first=Michael | last=Stewart | access-date=May 2, 2015 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}] as "Kent Hovind gets 10 years for violating federal tax law".</ref> The tapes, posted online by the ''Pensacola News Journal'', included one conversation with Hovind and son Eric, who were planning 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 web|title=Kent Hovind jail phone calls (2006)|url=https://archive.org/details/KentHovindJailPhoneCalls|access-date=June 17, 2013}}</ref> At sentencing, he denied being a "[[tax protester]]",<ref name="Decade"/> but the prosecution,<ref name="begins"/> an IRS spokesman,<ref name="Decade"/> and the ''Pensacola News Journal''<ref name="PNJdenyincome">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748342811.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+31%2C+2006&author=Nicole+Lozare&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Hovinds+deny+having+income | title=Kent and Jo Hovind deny having income | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=October 31, 2006 | first=Nicole | last=Lozare | access-date=April 10, 2015 | archive-date=March 10, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130310124739/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1748342811.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+31%2C+2006&author=Nicole+Lozare&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Hovinds+deny+having+income | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="JoLawBreaker"/> used the term to describe him.

On June 29, 2007, Jo Hovind was sentenced to one year of imprisonment, three years of supervision upon release and fined $8,000.<ref name="WifeSentenced"/> In court, Jo Hovind offered explanations for the 45 checks just under $10,000 and for checks cashed before and after the reporting deadline, telling the judge "I really did not have a leadership role in CSE" and finished "I would never knowingly do anything illegal." The judge said that while Hovind was the principal authority at CSE, Jo managed the payroll; she had cashed roughly 200 checks totaling $1.5 million over a four-year period, relying on cash to avoid IRS scrutiny.<ref name="JoLawBreaker"/> The [[United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit]] denied both appeals on December 30, 2008,<ref name="sentencesupheld"/> and the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] denied ''[[certiorari]]'' on November 2, 2009.<ref>[https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=10839092716802687300 Case No. 09-5043], November 2, 2009, ''Kent E. Hovind v. United States'', 130 S.Ct. 490 (2009).</ref>

{{Wikisource|Kent Hovind's Eleventh Circuit Court Criminal Appeal}}

Hovind appealed the amount of his 2006 U.S. Tax Court ruling on personal income taxes to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, but on July 2, 2007, a three-judge panel denied the appeal, finding that Hovind had failed to raise the issue at the appropriate time.<ref name="11thAppealDenied">{{cite news |url= https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1726814941.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Jul+4%2C+2007&author=&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Local+Briefs |title= Appeals court upholds sentence in Hovind tax-evasion case |publisher= [[Pensacola News Journal]] |date= July 4, 2007 |access-date= October 15, 2012 |archive-date= March 9, 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033757/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1726814941.html?FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:FT&type=current&date=Jul+4%2C+2007&author=&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Local+Briefs |url-status= dead }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref>

In November 2010, Hovind filed a motion in U.S. District Court Northern District of Florida claiming the prosecution and defense erred at various stages of the case;<ref>{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/2201579121.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+1%2C+2010&author=&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Tax+evader+wants+sentence+tossed+out | title=Tax evader wants sentence tossed out | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=December 1, 2010 | access-date=October 19, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033813/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/2201579121.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Dec+1%2C+2010&author=&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=Tax+evader+wants+sentence+tossed+out | url-status=dead }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}]</ref> it was denied the following May.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=392593312318248676 | title=United States of America v. Kent E. Hovind | publisher=[[United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida]] | date=May 2, 2011 | access-date = May 4, 2015}}</ref> It was one of at least six motions to dismiss he filed that year on various procedural or constitutional grounds.<ref name="PNJ2019">{{citation |title= 'Dr. Dino' loses latest court battle with federal government |first= Kevin |last= Robinson |work= Pensacola News Journal |date= December 26, 2019 |url= https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2019/12/26/dr-dino-loses-latest-court-battle-federal-government/2741397001/ |access-date= December 27, 2019}}</ref>

In July 2015, Hovind was released to home confinement for roughly one month to finish his prison sentence for his 2006 conviction.<ref>{{cite news | title=Hovind free from jail, back in Pensacola | first=Kevin | last=Robinson | date=July 10, 2015 | periodical=Pensacola News Journal | url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/2015/07/10/hovind-free-jail-back-pensacola/29969745/ | access-date=July 10, 2015}}</ref> Almost a year after his release, Hovind said he would continue to fight his conviction and the property seizure.<ref>{{cite news |last= Peacock |first= Lee |date= June 23, 2016 |title= Dr. Dino tells of Lenox plans |newspaper= Evergreen Courant |location= Evergreen, AL |volume=121 |number=39 |page=1 (cont. 12)}}</ref>

In October 2019, Hovind filed a [[Vacatur|motion to vacate]] in the [[trial court]] without obtaining the required certification from the [[appellate court]]; the motion was dismissed, summarily.<ref name="PNJ2019"/>

=== CSE property forfeitures ===

{{Wikisource|Kent Hovind Property Seizure Ruling}}

[[File:Pensacola Dinosaur Adventure Land04.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Property on Dinosaur Adventure Land]]

In 2007, the government placed liens on ten of the Hovinds' properties for money owed<ref name="JoLawBreaker">{{cite news | url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1726805081.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+1%2C+2007&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=She%27s+%27Granny+Jo%27+to+her+family%2C+but+a+lawbreaker+to+the+court | title=She's 'Granny Jo' to her family, but a lawbreaker to the court | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] | date=July 1, 2007 | first=Mark | last=O'Brien | access-date=October 3, 2012 | archive-date=March 9, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033709/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1726805081.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+1%2C+2007&author=Mark+O%27Brien&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=C.1&desc=She%27s+%27Granny+Jo%27+to+her+family%2C+but+a+lawbreaker+to+the+court | url-status=dead }}</ref> following a June 27, 2007, judgment, which included an order that the properties be forfeited under {{usc|18|3613}} for costs of $5,800, a fine of $2000, and restitution of $604,874.87.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2007061225 | title=Instrument #2007061225 Notice of lien | publisher=Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court | date=June 27, 2007 | access-date=May 14, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092854/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2007061225 | archive-date=May 18, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref> On December 30, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit denied the Hovinds' appeal and affirmed the convictions and sentences entered by the district court.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/unpub/ops/200710090.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613074701/http://www.ca11.uscourts.gov/unpub/ops/200710090.pdf |archive-date=June 13, 2011 |title=D. C. Docket No. 06-00083-CR-3-MCR |publisher=[[United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit|Eleventh Circuit Appeals Court]] |date=December 30, 2008 |access-date=July 17, 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Court upholds Hovind convictions | url=http://www.pnj.com/article/20090105/NEWS01/90105023 | publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=January 5, 2009}}</ref> Following the appeal, Jo Hovind served her prison term from January 20, 2009,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=181 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223180319/http://www.cseblogs.com/?p=181 | archive-date=February 23, 2009 | title=Legal Update| publisher=Creation Science Evangelism blog | date= January 23, 2009 | access-date = June 3, 2007}}</ref> to December 3, 2009.<ref name="JoDeliaHovindinmatefinder">{{cite web | url=http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=hovind&Middle=&FirstName=jo&Race=W&Sex=F&Age=&x=22&y=26 | title=Locate a Federal Inmate: Jo Delia Hovind, prisoner number 06453-017 | publisher=[[Federal Bureau of Prisons]] | year=2008 | access-date=May 17, 2007 | archive-date=September 29, 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929111537/http://www.bop.gov/iloc2/InmateFinderServlet?Transaction=NameSearch&needingMoreList=false&LastName=hovind&Middle=&FirstName=jo&Race=W&Sex=F&Age=&x=22&y=26 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

In 2008, Eric Hovind and Glen Stoll, an individual who has been associated with the [[Embassy of Heaven]] organization and who has falsely claimed to be a lawyer,<ref>[https://www.justice.gov/tax/Stoll_Perm_Inj.pdf ''United States v. Stoll''], case no. 2:05-cv-00262-RSM, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington (Seattle Div.); June 27, 2005.</ref> attempted to prevent the forfeitures of Hovind's ten properties, including Dinosaur Adventure Land, in connection with the federal tax problems.<ref name="DALex">{{cite news |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1713624411.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+20%2C+2008&author=Kris+Weowsky&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Feds+still+looking+to+force+Kent+Hovind%27s+Dinosaur+Adventure+Land+into+extinction |title=Feds still looking to force Dinosaur Adventure Land into extinction |first=Kris |last=Wernowsky |publisher=[[Pensacola News Journal]] |date=March 20, 2008 |access-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-date=March 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309033740/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/pnj/access/1713624411.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+20%2C+2008&author=Kris+Weowsky&pub=Pensacola+News+Journal&edition=&startpage=A.1&desc=Feds+still+looking+to+force+Kent+Hovind%27s+Dinosaur+Adventure+Land+into+extinction |url-status=dead }} The story can be found in the collection: [http://www.pnj.com/story/news/local/escambia-county/2014/11/11/evolution-dr-dino/18850377/ "The evolution of 'Dr. Dino{{'"}}].</ref> (In early 2019, Stoll himself was indicted by a Federal grand jury in Portland, Oregon on unrelated charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, making a false statement on a loan application, and [[tax evasion]].<ref>News release, "Washington State Man Accused of Marketing Fraudulent Tax Avoidance Schemes Disguised as Churches, Other Entities," April 19, 2019, United States Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon, U.S. Department of Justice, at [https://www.justice.gov/usao-or/pr/washington-state-man-accused-marketing-fraudulent-tax-avoidance-schemes-disguised].[</ref>) The government sought the property, deeded to Stoll and Eric prior to Hovind's convictions, since cash had been withdrawn from the bank accounts and could not be recovered. In a court filing, however, Eric Hovind said that he owned one of the properties and that he "took active control over the lot by personally building a home on it with $70,000 he borrowed from CSE."<ref name="OrderonProperty">{{cite news | url=http://ncse.com/files/pub/legal/hovind/20090729_orderpartiallygrantingsummaryjudgment.pdf | title=Order in United States of America v. Kent and Jo Hovind| publisher=[[United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida|United States District Court]] |date=June 27, 2009 | access-date =July 27, 2015}} page 13</ref> The court accepted Eric's ownership of that property, but allowed the government to seize the other nine properties.<ref name="OrderonProperty"/> The court ruling denying the Hovinds' appeal cleared the way for forfeiture proceedings on Hovind-owned properties, including those on which Dinosaur Adventure Land sat, to continue<ref name="sentencesupheld"/> to satisfy the debt.<ref name="pnjruling"/>

In March 2012, the federal government sued Creation Science Evangelism to remove liens placed on Hovind's former property that was seized after his conviction, and in June, the court ruled in favor of the government.<ref name="USCSE">{{cite web|url=http://dockets.justia.com/docket/florida/flndce/3:2012cv00136/65463/|title=UNITED STATES OF AMERICA v. CREATION SCIENCE EVANGELISM et al|work=Justia Dockets & Filings}}</ref>

In May 2013, facing the sale of lots that were once part of Dinosaur Adventure land, Hovind acted. Using legal advice from another inmate, he filed a civil right suit against corrections personnel (a "[[Bivens v. Six Unknown Named Agents|Bivens action]]") alleging that they intentionally delayed court documents which hindered another appeal. Based on the assumption that it would trigger a chain of rulings that would ultimately result in the original sentence being overturned, he then filed several ''[[lis pendens]]'' on the properties.<ref>The following instruments are recorded by the [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, Escambia County, Florida] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004215317/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/clerk/coc_online_public_records.aspx |date=October 4, 2013 }} on May 29, 2013: [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037931 2013037931] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092929/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037931 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037932 2013037932] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092903/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037932 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037933 2013037933] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092908/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037933 |date=May 18, 2015 }}, [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037934 2013037934] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092922/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013037934 |date=May 18, 2015 }}. Retrieved May 14, 2015.</ref><ref name=TrialFirstWeek>{{cite news | last1=Robinson | first1=Kevin | title=Paper trial prominent in Hovind trial | url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/03/06/paper-trial-prominent-hovind-trial/24528449/ | periodical=Pensacola News Journal | access-date=May 3, 2015}}</ref> A federal judge rejected Hovind's claims and dismissed the filings ([[Ab initio#Law|"void ''ab initio''"]]), and asked for a "show of cause" from Hovind to explain why he should not be found in [[contempt of court]] for the false filings.<ref name="VoidLiens">[http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013077090 Amended order on motion for discharge of liens] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092858/http://www.escambiaclerk.com/xml_or_1b.asp?uinstr=2013077090 |date=May 18, 2015 }}  [http://www.escambiaclerk.com/ Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller], Escambia County, Florida, Instrument #2013077090, October 9, 2013. Retrieved May 14, 2015. Online at [[s:United States v. Hovind (Amended Order on Motion for Discharge of Liens)|United States v. Hovind (Amended Order on Motion for Discharge of Liens)]].</ref> His release date was approaching when he would face new charges related to the ''lis pendens'' filings.<ref name=LegalWoes>{{cite news | last=Robinson | first=Kevin | title='Dr. Dino' facing new legal woes | url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2014/11/08/dr-dino-facing-new-legal-woes/18730293/ | periodical=Pensacola News Journal | access-date=May 3, 2015}}</ref>

=== Federal mail fraud and criminal contempt trial in 2015 ===

{{Wikisource|USA v Kent Hovind and Paul Hansen Indictment}}

On October 21, 2014, Hovind was indicted by a federal grand jury in Pensacola, Florida, on two counts of mail fraud, one count of conspiracy with Paul John Hansen to commit mail fraud, and one count of criminal contempt for interfering with the sale of Pensacola properties Hovind was forced to forfeit as a result of the 2006 case.<ref name="LegalWoes" /><ref>Indictment, October 21, 2014, ''United States v. Hovind'', case no. 3:14-cr-00091-MCR, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.).</ref> Hovind and Hansen pleaded not guilty and were tried together.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Kevin|title=Trial for 'Dr. Dino' moved to January|date=December 2, 2014|url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2014/11/28/hovind-trial-moved-january/19615979/|website=Pensacola News Journal|access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Kevin|title='Dr. Dino' trial delayed until March |date=January 28, 2015 |url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2015/01/28/dr-dino-trial-delayed-march/22465633/ |website=Pensacola News Journal|access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref>

On March 2, 2015, the trial began in [[United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida|U.S. District Court for Northern Florida]]. On the first day of testimony, the prosecution discussed Hovind and Hansen's "dozens of filings", including several ''[[lis pendens]]'', used to resist a court-ordered forfeiture due in part to legal advice Hovind took from his "cellmate in a New Hampshire prison camp".<ref name=TrialFirstDay>{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Kevin|title=Hovind's 'fight' continues in court |url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2015/03/03/day-hovind-trial/24341107/ |website=Pensacola News Journal|access-date=March 3, 2015}}</ref> The prosecution case included numerous emails, recorded phone calls, and court filings related to the forfeited properties.<ref name=TrialFirstWeek/> The prosecution presented audio of Hovind characterizing a ''lis pendens'' by asking his daughter, "Have you ever taken a step into dog crap and it gets stuck on your feet and it's really hard to get off?"<ref name=TrialFirstDay/> Hansen and Hovind took the stand in their own defense. According to journalist Kevin Robinson, during Hovind's testimony, he "refused to give short answers" and said that he believed his actions were lawful.<ref name=TakesWitnessStand>{{cite web|last1=Robinson|first1=Kevin|title='Dr Dino' Kent Hovind takes the witness stand |url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/03/10/dr-dino-kent-hovind-takes-witness-stand-trial/24712901/ |website=Pensacola News Journal|access-date=March 10, 2015}}</ref> On March 12, 2015, Hovind was found guilty on one count of criminal contempt,<ref name=Verdict>{{cite web|title=Kent 'Dr Dino' Hovind trial: Guilty of contempt |url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/2015/03/12/hovind-trial-deliberations/70205932/ |date=March 12, 2015|website=Pensacola News Journal|access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref> Hansen on two counts of criminal contempt,<ref name="codefendant">{{cite web|title=Hovind's co-defendant gets 18 months in prison |date=August 21, 2015 |url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2015/08/21/hovinds-co-defendant-hansen-gets-months-prison/32155699/ |website=Pensacola News Journal|access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref> and the [[hung jury|jury was hung]] on the remaining charges.<ref name=Verdict/>

A trial on the counts on which the jury could not reach a verdict had been ordered to begin on May 18, 2015.<ref>Court order, March 20, 2015, docket entry 155, ''United States v. Hovind'', case no. 3:14-00091-MCR, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.).</ref> However, on May 16, 2015, the prosecution filed its "Government's Motion to Dismiss Counts One, Two and Four of the Superseding Indictment Without Prejudice," citing "issues regarding the technical sufficiency of the Superseding Indictment, including the adequacy of notice."<ref>Docket entry 194, May 16, 2015, ''United States v. Kent E. Hovind and Paul John Hansen'', case no. 3:14-cr-00091-MCR, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.).</ref> Later, on May 16, the Court cancelled the jury selection and trial that had been scheduled to begin on Monday, May 18, in order, in the Court's words, to permit the defendants to respond to the government's motion.<ref>[https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=5474260937151345023 Docket entry 195], May 16, 2015, ''United States v. Kent E. Hovind and Paul John Hansen'', case no. 3:14-cr-00091-MCR, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.).</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Hovind charges in Pensacola erode
| first=Kevin | last=Robinson | date=May 18, 2015 | periodical=Pensacola News Journal | url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2015/05/18/hovinds-unresolved-charges-dropped/27538727/ | access-date=May 19, 2015}}</ref>

On Monday, May 18, 2015, the U.S. District Court made two decisions. First, the Court granted the prosecutor's request for a "without prejudice" dismissal of the three remaining charges against Hovind, allowing the prosecutor to go back to a Federal grand jury and seek a new indictment if desired.<ref>[https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=17429082734215337982 Docket entry 198], May 18, 2015, ''United States v. Kent E. Hovind and Paul John Hansen'', case no. 3:14-cr-00091-MCR, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.).</ref> Second, the Court rendered a judgment of acquittal on the criminal contempt charge on which Hovind had been found guilty by the jury. On that point, the Court concluded that in the specific order that Hovind had been found guilty of violating, there was no actual language that prohibited Hovind from doing anything.<ref>[https://scholar.google.com/scholar_case?case=8114656076788340920 Docket entry 197], May 18, 2015, ''United States v. Kent E. Hovind and Paul John Hansen'', case no. 3:14-cr-00091-MCR, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida (Pensacola Div.).</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Kent 'Dr. Dino' Hovind cleared of all charges for now | first=Kevin | last=Robinson | date=May 19, 2015 | periodical=Pensacola News Journal | url=http://www.pnj.com/story/news/crime/2015/05/19/hovind-cleared-charges-now/27591891/ | access-date=August 22, 2015}}</ref>

On August 21, 2015, Paul John Hansen was sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years' probation for the two counts of contempt.<ref name="codefendant"/>

===Domestic violence===
Hovind was arrested in Alabama on July 30, 2021, for allegedly throwing his estranged wife, Cindi Lincoln, to the ground in October 2020. Additionally, she petitioned for a [[restraining order|protective order]] in [[Conecuh County, Alabama]], saying that she had to go to the emergency room after being "bodyslammed". She has also stated that she had been threatened by one of Hovind's associates.<ref>{{cite news |title= Kent Hovind, controversial creationist preacher known as 'Dr. Dino,' arrested in domestic assault case |first= Bob |last= Smietana |date= August 5, 2021 |agency= [[Religion News Service]] |url= https://religionnews.com/2021/08/05/kent-hovind-controversial-creationist-preacher-known-as-dr-dino-arrested-in-domestic-assault-case/ |access-date= August 6, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Alabama evangelist Kent Hovind arrested on domestic violence charge |first= Howard |last= Koplowitz |date= August 5, 2021 |work= [[The Birmingham News|AL.com]] |url= https://www.al.com/news/mobile/2021/08/alabama-evangelist-kent-hovind-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charge.html |access-date= August 6, 2021}}</ref> At a [[bench trial]] in the Connecuh County Courthouse on September 20, 2021, he was found guilty of domestic violence.  He was sentenced to one year in jail which would be suspended following 30 days in the county jail to start by October 18, fined $500, and ordered to pay restitution for medical expenses.<ref>{{citation |title= 'Dr. Dino' gets 30 days in jail |first1= Robert |last1= Bozeman III |first2= Lee |last2= Peacock |work= The Monroe Journal |date= September 23, 2021 |page=1 |url= https://2083.newstogo.us/editionviewer/?Edition=728550b7-6612-4326-9b4b-cbc344ea330a&Section=0 |access-date= September 23, 2021}}</ref> A request for a retrial was denied, and an appeal requesting a [[jury trial]] was filed in the [[Alabama Circuit Courts]].<ref>{{citation |title= 'Dr. Dino' files an appeal |first= Lee |last= Peacock |work= The Monroe Journal |date= October 21, 2021 |page=3 |url= https://2083.newstogo.us/editionviewer/default.aspx?Edition=31e2be4b-ebd8-4cf1-a604-3f0fa777c5c2&Page=c541e28e-c708-4cc5-bab8-bae8fe8eee0c |access-date= November 4, 2021}}</ref>

== See also ==
*[[Tax protester history in the United States]]

==Notes==
{{Reflist|group=notes}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{sister project links|collapsible=true|Kent Hovind|v=no|b=no|voy=no|species=no|d=Q1390978|wikt=no}}

* {{official website}}
* {{IMDb name | nm2379457 }}

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