Alex Jones Guilty Verdict Could Bankrupt Him

Alex Jones

Alex Jones, the host of Infowars and right-wing conspiracy theorist, has been found guilty by default in all four defamation cases over his claims that the Sandy Hook school massacre was 'a giant hoax' aimed at increasing gun control

The Daily Mail reports a superior court judge in Connecticut made the ruling on Monday morning because Jones refused to turn over documents ordered by the courts to back up his defense, including financial records. 

His conviction is a sweeping victory for the parents of eight people killed in the Newtown massacre. On December 14, 2012 gunman Adam Lanza, 20, killed 20 first-graders and six teachers. Lanza fatally shot his mother at their home before going to the school, and later killed himself as police arrived. 

Juries in both states have not yet determined how much in damages Jones and the other defendants will have to pay the families. Trials on the matter are scheduled in both states for next year. 

Though Jones' finances are murky, with nearly all of his income thought to be derived from the sale of dubious health supplements to his loyal followers, he is thought to have a net worth of roughly $5 million. 

The conviction combines with three rulings in Texas last month that found Jones liable for damages in defamation lawsuits that stemmed from his statements about the Newtown massacre.  

The shooting was portrayed on Jones' Infowars show as a 'giant hoax' and the families involved were all 'crisis actors' hired to perpetuate a government agenda to increase gun control. Jones has since acknowledged the school shooting did occur. 

The Sandy Hook families that sued Jones claim that he profited by spreading lives about the murders of their loved ones. Jones has disputed their claims, but failed to turn over documents and financial records to support his stance after ordered todo so in court. 

Superior Court Judge Barbara Bellis made the ruling after years of what she called inappropriate conduct by Jones and his attorneys regarding depositions and the 'callous disregard of their obligation' to turn over financial and web analytics documents as ordered by the court, reported the Hartford Courant.