BERGHOLZ, OHIO – A gritty federal court scene saw sixteen members of the Bergholz, Ohio community receive prison sentences today for their roles in a series of violent attacks on practitioners of the Amish faith. According to Acting Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach, and Special Agent in Charge Stephen Anthony of the FBI Cleveland Office, this sentence comes after a lengthy investigation and trial.
Samuel Mullet, 69, was handed down a 129-month sentence for his leadership role in the attacks, while Johnny S. Mullet, 41; Lester Mullet, 30; Levi F. Miller, 56; and Eli M. Miller, 35, all received 60 months each. Daniel S. Mullet, 40; Lester Miller, 40; and Emanuel Schrock, 46 were sentenced to 43 months for their parts in the crime.
Raymond Miller, 30; Linda Shrock, 47; Freeman Burkholder, 34; Anna Miller, 35; Elizabeth A. Miller, 40; Emma J. Miller, 40; Kathryn Miller, 25; and Lovina Miller, 35 had already served their sentences prior to today’s hearing, where it was confirmed they would serve no additional time.
Convicted in 2012 following a lengthy trial, the defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice. Eli Miller, Lester Mullet, and Levi Miller were also convicted of concealing evidence, with Samuel Mulllet Sr. being charged with concealment of evidence and making false statements to federal investigators. The convictions stemmed from five separate assaults in four Ohio counties between September and November 2011.
The attacks were characterized by the use of scissors and battery-powered clippers to forcibly cut or shave hair from male victims and female heads, with some defendants also injuring those who tried to intervene. Evidence at trial indicated discussions about concealing photographs and other evidence following the assaults.
U.S. Attorney Dettelbach emphasized, “From day one, this case has been about the rule of law and defending the right of people to worship in peace. This was never about ‘haircuts’; these were violent acts.” The judge determined that the assaults were motivated by religion and aimed at preventing law enforcement from uncovering the truth.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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