Holmes County prosecutor weighs in on Bergholz Amish prison sentencing
By Nick Sabo
February 15, 2013
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A group of Amish men sentenced with Bergholz Amish leader Sam Mullet on Friday, Feb. 8, got more time in prison from the federal courts than they would have on charges originally filed in Holmes County.
Mullet was sentenced in Cleveland U.S. District Court by Judge Dan Aaron Polster to 15 years in prison, followed by two years of post-release monitoring. Mullet was further ordered to pay $600 in special assessment fees, but was not sentenced to pay a fine.
Mullet faced life in prison for masterminding attacks on fellow Amish, in which beards and hair were cut from persons who had gone against Mullets teachings or authority.
Mullet was sentenced on three counts of violating the federal hate crimes act and one count each of conspiracy, obstructing justice and making false statements. The charges stem from beard and hair cutting attacks Sept. 6 and Nov. 9, 2011.
Among the 16 codefendants sentenced were Eli M. Miller, 31, 385 Township Road 280, Bergholz; Levi F. Miller, 53, 35 County Road 53, Bergholz; Johnny S. Mullet, 38, 362 Township Road 280, Bergholz; Lester S. Mullet, 26, 522 Township Road 54, Hammondsville, who each received prison sentences of seven years; and Daniel S. Mullet, 37, 8865 County Road 53, Bergholz, who was sentenced to five years.
The five men were originally charged in October 2012 in Holmes County Municipal Court with aggravated burglary and kidnapping, first degree felonies carrying up to 10 years in prison. The charges stem from an attack on a Holmes County Amish bishop and his family, and were dismissed in favor of federal prosecution.
Holmes County Prosecuting Attorney Steve Knowling planned to reinstate the charges if the original five were found to be not guilty or otherwise avoided prison. Knowling said that the men would have probably received a mid-range sentence, somewhere between four to six years, had they been convicted in Holmes County courts.
As far as the five involved in the incident in our county, I feel they are fair and deserved sentences, Knowling said. All but Dan Mullet got more than they would have here.
Knowling attended the sentencing hearing, where Sam Mullet said he was willing to take the blame and punishment for all.
Knowling said he heard it, but he didnt believe it.
He never really owned up. He was just saying, if this is a cult, if Im a cult leader, sentence me, this is all bull, Knowling said. He was very short, very gruff.
Knowling said several of the men made similar statements, asking they serve time for the female codefendants. None seemed particularly remorseful, Knowling said.
They never denied they did it, but they never said what they did was wrong, Knowling said.
