(RNS) Disgraced evangelist Tony Alamo has been sentenced to 175 years in prison for child sexual abuse, with a judge warning him about facing future judgment from a higher authority.

“Mr. Alamo, one day you will face a higher and a greater judge than me,” U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes told Alamo on Friday (Nov. 13) at a Texarkana, Ark., court, the Associated Press reported.

“May he have mercy on your soul.”

After his July conviction on charges he took underage girls across state lines for sex, Alamo, 75, received the maximum sentence. He also was ordered to pay $250,000 in fines.

In addition, Alamo has a scheduled January court hearing to determine if he must pay restitution to five women who testified of sexual abuse.

“You are described by others who testified as a prophet of God, a person of trust, a person of supreme authority in the church,” Barnes told Alamo. “It’s hard to imagine the scenario and the damage that occurred to these five young girls.”

Alamo’s attorneys vowed to appeal Barnes’ decision. The preacher said he would leave the future of his ministry in Texarkana, Texas, to others.

“The Lord is in charge,” he said.