Self-proclaimed religious prophet Allen Harrod was indicted in federal court Thursday along with his wife on nine counts of transporting children across state lines for sexual purposes.
The 56-year-old Harrod, who wrote his own interpretations of Scripture to justify the molestation of children, was convicted last month of criminal charges in state court related to the same group of children.
Harrod faces a potential life term when he is sentenced Feb. 23. His wife, Irene Hunt, 49, also was convicted in the state case. She faces up to 18 years in prison for her role in what prosecutor Chris Ore described as a religious cult.
Federal prosecutor Laurel D. White alleges in her indictment that Harrod and Hunt, as well as their co-defendants, Michael and Juliette Labrecque, transported at least five children several times across state lines for purposes of sexual abuse.
Indictments were filed last year against the Labrecques, who are considered followers of Harrod. But White waited until the Harrods' state case was completed before filing her indictment against them.
"This was always a concern," Irene Hunt's attorney, Dean Johansson, said of the federal indictments. "But I'm convinced she'll be vindicated."
When the Harrods were arrested in 2001, four of the Labrecques' daughters were living with them. The third-eldest daughter testified in state court that she and her sisters were sent to Harrod for "religious training," which consisted of specific sexual acts.