7/25/13 Apple Creek man sentenced to fines, costs in unlicensed hog butchering case
By Nick Sabo
July 25, 2013
444
SUMMARY: Judge findes court sanctions unnecessary in case
An Apple Creek man who previously pleaded to violating Ohio Department of Agriculture laws regarding the slaughter of farm animals was sentenced to fines and court costs.
Jecky H. Hershberger, 43, 6013 Zuercher Road, was sentenced to pay fines of $1,250 plus court costs Thursday, July 25 by Wayne County Municipal Court Judge Timothy R. VanSickle on 14 violations of agriculture laws that prohibit the unlicensed butchering of hogs. Hershberger admitted to killing and dressing 990 hogs in 2012 for $10 per hog. The hogs were brought to Hershbergers farm by their owners. At the time, Hershberger was not licensed by the ODA.
Hershberger did not speak at the sentencing hearing, which was attended by about 75 friends and family.
Hershberger was not represented by legal council. Peter Dunn, a neighbor and family friend who said he walked through the legal process with Hershberger, spoke on Hershbergers behalf at the hearing. Dunn said that the Swartzentruber Amish, of which Hershberger is a member, do not hire attorneys in these kind of matters.
VanSickle said probation recommended Hershberger be placed on probation for five years. However, VanSickle said he did not feel probation would be necessary.
I find that you are worthy to make the honorable choice in this matter, VanSickle said. Im going to leave it in your hands...I do not feel you need the supervision of probation to make that choice.
Hershberger declined comment after the hearing.
Dunn said that Hershberger has ceased accepting hogs for slaughter since he was charged. Hershberger stunned and dressed the hogs but did not further process the carcass, Dunn said.
Dunn said Hershberger has no intention of getting licensed to process hogs, and does not intend to go back into the butchering business.
Theres no option for a member of the Swartzentruber Amish to get licensed, Dunn said. It requires electricity and other modern utilities shunned by the Swartzentruber Amish, Dunn said. Dunn said it is disappointing that the current laws do not allow him (Hershberger) to continue.
Hershberger has until Dec. 27 to pay the fines and costs, per VanSickles order.
