Associated Press - July 8, 2009 3:34 PM ET

TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) - Federal prosecutors want a judge to stop the requested deposition of an FBI agent in a lawsuit by the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries.

Prosecutors say the FBI agent who handled the investigation of jailed evangelist Tony Alamo can't be made to testify in a suit brought by his ministry against Arkansas' child-welfare agency. Prosecutors say federal rules prevent the agent from testifying, and the planned deposition comes only days before Alamo is scheduled to stand trial on a 10-count federal indictment.

Alamo, 74, faces charges he took young girls across state lines for sex. He's pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors made the request Tuesday to U.S. District Judge Harry F. Barnes.

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