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Amy Sancetta / AP file
Samuel Mullet stands outside his home in Bergholz, Ohio, in 2011.
CLEVELAND —An Ohio Amish sect leader was sentenced on Friday to 15 years in federal prison for his leadership role in beard- and hair-cutting attacks on members of other Amish communities in 2011.
Prosecutors had recommended a life sentence for Samuel Mullet Sr., 67, who was convicted of a hate crime in September for orchestrating attacks carried out on six Amish men and two women, though he was not present for any of them.
Fifteen of Mullet's followers in the breakaway Amish sect from Bergholz, Ohio, who were also convicted of multiple counts of conspiracy and kidnapping under federal hate crimes laws received lesser prison sentences on Friday.
"There is no doubt that Mullet wanted, agreed with and encouraged all of these attacks," prosecutors said in a court filing.
Mullet and members of his Bergholz, Ohio, community were convicted of multiple counts under the Federal Hate Crime statute, including conspiracy and kidnapping for attacks prosecutors said were motivated by religious disputes between Mullet and other Amish leaders.
The Amish are known for their plain dress and shunning of technology. Amish women and married Amish men do not cut their hair or beards, because they are symbols of living a religious life.
Victims of the attack testified they were restrained and had their hair forcibly cut using scissors, clippers, shears and battery-operated razors. The followers then brought the beard and head hair back to show Mullet.
Defense attorneys disputed the nature and seriousness of the crimes, arguing that the attacks were a result of personal, not religious, disputes and that the offenses do not deserve the lengthy sentences proposed by the government.
The defense's arguments for leniency included numerous letters from family and business acquaintances telling of the hardships the Bergholz community has endured without the seven adult men during the winter.
One Mullet supporter wrote, "The picture the rest of the world is trying to paint of him is not the Samuel Mullet I know."
An attorney for defendant Lester Miller told the court the defendants' children will be most affected by the loss of their parents -- since sons in Amish communities serve as apprentices to their fathers.
Prosecutors also submitted 14 handwritten letters from members of the Amish community expressing fear for Bergholz community children and supporting a lengthy or life sentence for Mullet.
Nine of the male defendants are currently in prison, while one male and all six female defendants have remained free.
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Cut this freaks beard off and see how he likes it.
Does anyone besides me see the irony in someone named Mullet being imprisoned for cutting hair?
Oops .... the dreaded "bubblegum" double tap.
I'll say it again...ain't religion great? stupid is as stupid does...
An Amish man in a Federal prison? Now there will be a real story.
What goes, "clip clop clip clop clip clop, snip snip, clip clop clip clop....."
Amish drive by trimmings.
He got 15 years for being a religious moron and Wall Street bankers got off scott free for defrauding people for trillions of dollars... this is American justice system...
Greed is only one of the Deadly Sins, and is not mentioned in the 10 Commandments thereby voiding any connection to the 8th Command. Kidnapping for religious differences is not mentioned anywhere at all in the 7 Deadlies nor in the 10 Commands... a clear pass for Wall Street no matter how ya look at it. S/
Wait, didn't Romney do the same thing to a class mate? Why is that dude still walking around free?
Wait a minute...who's going to make my "Amish Miracle Heater" now???
This is a fair sentence. He commanded his followers to intimidate and assault people who didn't do what he wanted them to do. He's no better than a mobster. I wonder how he'll like it in the Ohio prison system ? He won't be making the rules anymore.
However, all snark aside from my prior post, this was a Violation of Spiritual belief, reasonably difficult to reconcile and recover from. Physical, mental, spiritual...all part of who each of us are. If hair is a manifestation of that living faith, to cut it is to erase the connection to that faith, I'd think. Terrible when thought of like that.
Sirlafalot
Dude that was funny! LMFAO. :-)
Sounds like the making of a new reality TV show. When good Amish go bad...
That's why I like being an atheist. You cannot rob me of any religious belief or symbol.
They have a T.V. show called Amish Mafia. Isn't he the star. He should have killed them all instead of cutting their beard and hair. Would have gotten a lighter sentence.
This guy is similar to imprisoned, (for raping 12 year old girls), Moromon Prophet, Warren Jeffs, who still runs his cult from behind bars! Hopefully the Federal prison won't let Mr. Mullet run his empire from prison!
15 yrs for leading a band of radical hair cutters ??? I think the punishment is too severe for the crime. That should be revised downward on appeal.
Gotta wonder if he'll work in the prison barber shop?
I guess its good they did not take this as serious, when Mitt cut the queer boy hair in school. What a waist of tax payer money. Make him do 20 hour community service. The last child molester case I saw was a 5 year probation. Girl was 13. It not home invasion, the church own the property. It would of course be misdemeanor assault.
The crimes committed had NOTHING to do with religion! They were done because this man felt his power over some of the followers slipping away and wanted to "punish" them for daring to think for themselves and walking way from his sect. He is nothing more than a selfish, self-centered, tyrant. It is pretty evident his "love" is for HIMSELF, not God.
I agree, dapper, the punishment is very severe for the level of assault performed.
And, there should be no such thing as a hate crime. The reason for a crime should be immaterial.
I think this guy should be on the new Discovery show "Amish Mafia", that show is a joke, and so is this guy!
I've seen some haircuts that were worth 15 years in prison...
All this fuss (and now, jail-time) over having or not having a beard. This type of stupidity is a prime example of how religion coaxes its adherents into focusing on irrelevant trivia. What a waste.
Cutting off someone's hair is somehow a hate-crime?
This is nothing but an opportunity for activist prosecutors and judges to push their idiotic liberal agenda.
A year in prison would have taught them the lesson they needed to be taught. Fifteen years is a more serious crime than the crime itself.
And some child rapists and sex offenders get 2-4 years and offend time after time after time! Something is radically wrong with our judicial system.
This is how American judicial system proves to be moronic and deranged - all the waf from Supreme Court down to a town court they deserve their beard or hair be sheared off.
"They have a T.V. show called Amish Mafia."
That show is stupid and fake. I live in Lancaster County, I assure you that there is no such thing as the "Amish Mafia". Amish people don't grow "Green Corn", they don't drive around in a $100,000 Mercedes, and they don't even own pistols. Most Amish people are just peaceful Christians, except for this beard-cutter.
A poor man, who is a member of a non-mainstream religious sect has a leadership role in hair-cutting attacks on fellow members ... and gets 15 years in federal prison.
A wealthy man, who is a member of a non-mainstream religious sect has a leadership role in a hair-cutting attack on fellow prep-school student ... and gets the Republican Party nomination for President of the United States.
We have a long way to go before we achieve the founder's vision of justice, applied equally in this nation, for both the rich and the poor?
All you
jackasses, er jerks who are saying this wasn't a hate crime don't know squat about the Amish. To forcibly take a man's beard or cut a woman's hair would be considered very, very wrong and very, very hateful among these peaceful people. Just because it wouldn't be much of a big deal in mainstream culture doesn't mean it shouldn't have bee prosecuted within the cultural values of the Amish community, which it rightfully was.Shame on all you who make fun of the. Though I don't share many of their beliefs and customs, I have great respect for the Amish and Mennonites, whom I have lived among.
"these peaceful people."
No doubt he would have gotten only seven years, but for the 'battery-operated' shears.
And yet, not a single Banker or Wall Street executive have gone to jail, or even faced trials, for their economic crimes against humanity?
Heck of a job, U.S. Judicial System.
Cheetah - I giggled at many of these comments, but I guffawed when I read yours. Thanks!
That arrogant sob is going to have a hard time adapting to prison life where everyone is not kissing his ass.
@ Sirlafalot, post 1.5
Should we outlaw clipers that can cut more than one hair at a time?
Life sentence for that? We used to do that to whoever passed out first at the party.
The article says 15 years. Home invasion and assault nothing like a party.
Holy crap! Imagine what they would have given him if he would have ordered they be given a clean shave?!!
I can see giving someone 15 years for shaving ZZ Top's beard... can you imagine that crime? (shudders)
He got 15 years but the prosecutor asked for life.
Seriously though?? A life sentence for forcibly shaving someone? Rapists and Child molesters get less time.
But I am sure the company that owns the jail he is going to be sent to will be just fine with it! They get paid per prisoner, per year.
Devil, The headline read "Amish guy set to be sentenced" when I posted my first post. and the story said that a life senance is possible. NBC should have started a new post with a new story.
Ain't our system great? Beard-cutting gets 15 years in Federal prison while rapists, murders, and thieves get lesser than that. Repeat offenders anyone?
Got to love douche bag prosecutors, "life for everybody!" Draconian much? Wonder how much $ mysteriously showed up in his back account from the prison owners?
Didn't Romney and friends hold down a gay guy and cut his hair in college. Wouldn't that be a hate crime and assault? Seems if you're rich enough what's considered a crime otherwise is only a prank.
Do people even read the whole article? just the first paragraph? perhaps just read what others write, and make their reply based on that misinformation..15 years for being Convicted of Hate Crimes, conspiracy and kidnapping. Not beard cutting.
Did you read the article? The hate crime committed was beard/hair cutting, the conspiracy was to cut beards/hair, and the victims were "kidnapped" (not even taken anywhere against their will, but restrained in their own home) for the purpose of cutting their beards/hair. Yes, in fact, they were convicted for beard/hair cutting.
Forcible entering someone's home, holding them down and assaulting them is a substantial crme! 15 years is reasonable. If others got less for worse crimes, that's wrong, but has nothing to do with Mullet's crime!
IMHO there is no such thing as a hate crime. A crime is a crime and the government doesn't get to legislate my emotions. Besides, this was Amish on Amish, how could it be "hate" toward a certain group? (which again, should not be a crime in and of itself)
I agree it was not a hate crime at all. Yet the other charges of entering a home not to commit physical harm he should a been given 2-1/2 to 5 years would of fit this crime.
Well, duh!
Justme: If you're referring to my post yes I read it all. Attacking a gay guy was a hate crime, conspiring with others to do the deed was the conspiracy and holding him against his will was kidnapping. I see no difference between what Romney and friends did and what these people did. Hard to know who you're responding to when you post generalities.
It's 2 easy on them, 2 boys were sentenanced to 5 years in PA for drug distribution, prison life was too cushy Amish community wanted them back to work the farm, stap this guy in a chair and make him watch Honey Boo Boo, Jersey Shore, 23 three hours a day for the rest of his life
there are laws against cruel and unusual punishment. and that is just too cruel.
Or let him watch "Amish Mafia"...
How ridiculous!!! They are going to put an Amish man in jail for 15 years, for instigating some haircutting attacks!!! There are murderers who have served less time than that!!! I agree that what he did was wrong, and he should have to pay a fine, and maybe do some community service type of work...but not 15 years in prison...c'mon. Let the punishment fit the crime!
If you look at the crime as we do being non amish, the crime is nothing, the prison time is wrong. If you look at the crimme as an amish person the crime is very horrible. Make a christian to go to an islamist prayer meeting, make a jew eat pork, burn a crossat a christians home or church. Do any of the people who desacreate someone elses religionn and what happens in breaking a law, whats the penalty. You would be up in arms, wanting to hang the criminal. So looking at the crime from the Amish people is a very plausable crime and punishment. Is there any argument about that way of thinking???
Give 'em all a Brazilian Wax.
Now that would be a crime.
Or better yet, give Ole Sam a MULLET!
They used assault scissors (clippers) that's a fully automatic weapon. They should implement a ban on these destructive weapons.
For me, this story is a local one. But, not once have I read any statement explaining the "religious reasons" the factions of this sect committed these acts. The only story on this matter is the degradations inflicted on these people. Are there "Taliban" in the Amish Community? If so, who are they? And why do they believe in such a strict methodology? Or, do they fear the destruction of their society because of outside influences?
I drove through Amish country once, in Pennsylvania. When I got off the main highway it seemed like every farm had a Ford pickup truck hidden in a garage. I wonder if your average Amish family is really all that religious or if they just follow the obvious customs because that's the norm out there.
Some amish are more amish than others. Some have phones and use cars. I can remember visiting Pennsylvania as a kid, and seeing some of them driving old black cars. It just depends on the sects.
I thought they weren't allowed to have sects until they were married?
You are confusing Amish and Mennonites. Similar and somewhat combined beginnings. They are neighbors and often business partners but with different faith rules.
Mullet was an Amish outcast because of his over the top beleifs. He attacked bishops and family who went against him. Pretty freaky dude.
They hide the trucks so they can continue to live tax free
the amish mafia is on there way....Mullet is nothing but a cult leader that shames true amish folk..
The real shame is what his wife does with the electric clippers when he isn't looking!
Sirlafalot, you should warn people not to drink soda while reading your post 6.1 soda hurts when it comes out of your nose!!!
Why are they being coddled? Would any other group of people be allowed to alternate time in custody? They are to be held to the same standards and if not then WHY aren't they? If someone else held someone against their will and forced their will upon them their would be hell to pay! Right? They preach and eye for an eye, let them live by it as well!!!
How is it a hate crime? They are all from the same race/religion. If a black assaults another black, is that a hate crime?
Probably because it was over differences in how they see the religion. It almost seems like a Lutheran beating up a Presperterian(sp) because of differences in their religions, or, to use your example, a black person from Panama beating up a black person from Ethopia because of their differences.
Could happen. Depends upon the circumstances.
AAAhhhh no they (real Amish) don't.
There are many Anabaptist sects and each one of them has sub sects. The Amish are no more monolithic than any other christian religious sect.
Nomore
No! We call that a street fight. The time is a little long. Tax payers are paying for his keep, he should perform community service until all their beards grow back to where they were, then another year after that. Or Let the community decide.
The Muslim differences between Sunni's, Shiites and Kurds are serious enough they regularly murder each other. I think a religious difference that requires you to whack off someones beard is better than the bomb in a backpack designed to take out lots of the other sect.
The way of the Amish may be different, but if this act is viewed by the Amish having the intent to humiliate, then the punishment should be whatever we (non-Amish) would consider the equivalent.
I do feel if the removal of facial hair is viewed as "punishment" in the eyes of the Amish, then Mr. Sutter should absolutely suffer the same fate he imposed on on his fellow Amish.
We're lucky if murders get 20 years, and this guy may get a life sentence for beard-cutting!? Wow. We need a perspective-check.
He only got 15 years. (sarcasm)
Or finally start getting tough on murderers!
LOL..Amish Mafia..
Tried and convicted by a jury of his peers with the judge giving him 15 years. Sounds about right.
Where's Levi and Merlin?
Out back having sects!
Levi is hidding in the shadows of PA this was his revenge on Merlins OH mafia
15 years of jail is too much as a punishment. It sends a bad signal to the perpetrator. I think 3 months of community service is a fair sentence.
And if someone broke into your home and assaulted you and your family would that still be enough?
If he doesn't report for prison, he will be "on the lam".
If his wife begins her monthly cycle, she will be "on the lamb".
I'm waiting for a song about this from weird Al Yankovic.
" My beard is cut ....
The shame ain't nice .....
I'm no longer living .....
In an Amish Paradise ....."
My wife kidnaps me and make me get a hair cut once a month.
Yes, the sentence of 15 yrs is just too long and too weird. Rapists and robbers usually get a lot less and these people can grow their hair back.
As I've said before, the justice system is broken and really, just plain unjust! Justice is not something that the justice system is trying to determine. It is a case of "My lawyer can beat up your lawyer because I can hire one for more money!"
One of my friend's dog was attacked by an off-leash dog whose owner then threatened my friend. During the trial the lawyer kept my friend under oath for 1 1/2 hours and tried to humiliate him. This was a slam dunk of a seriously psychologically dangerous person whose dogs had attacked other dogs. Where is the justice in this case where my friend had to pay $3,000 to save his dog and he will probably never get a penny from this deranged person! Bah to the so-called justice system. I now refuse to work with any lawyers in my profession, since this was how they treated me too. They have to be sick to try and humiliate anyone who testifies so as to try and destroy their credibility. What about trying to actually find out what happened? Duh.
Which is stupider?
a) religion
b) this particular religion
c) the "crime"
d) the sentence
I think it would be selection e) people that post tests online, and don't give you time to study, or tell you the answers.
Nad..
I think your post is "stupider"
Good grief, where do these idjits come from?
E.) A and D
Chill the @!$%# out Becky.
Or E.)there is no such word as stupider
You have unlimited time and if he told you the answer what's the point of the test?
Given sentences often imposed for crimes that result in lasting physical handicaps or even death, and were known to be likely to do so by the perpetrator, this sentence seems too high. Hair grows back - it's not a lasting injury.
The sentence should be no different than if a criminal walked up to random "English" people on the street and, against their will, restrained them and shaved their facial hair off. That's a (weird) form of battery and should result in a sentence consistent with that crime -- whatever sentence it would have in the absence of any "hate crime" component.
Just because I'm not Amish doesn't mean that I should be less protected (due to lighter sentences for those who choose to assault me) from battery.
Actions matter, the "why" matters little (although, some "whys", might serve to reduce a sentence -- for example, the sentence for someone who shoplifted to feed their kids might, depending on the circumstances, be lighter than that imposed on someone who did it to acquire a new game console).
The problem was that this was done for religious purposes. One man and his followers attacked and forced religious humiliation on them by cutting their beards of men and their hair if women. This makes it a "religious hate crime." Given that it was a conspiracy involving a group of people makes it much worse. So the leader gets the long sentence. Really long if you consider that there is no parole in the federal system.
In prison, since assault was a part of the crime, he will be considered a "violent offender." There will be a long period in solitary while they evaluate him --- often as long as nine months. They will make him follow the rules. Most prisons require that beards be shaven and hair cut to a reasonable length. They will require "plain" clothing so that won't be a problem. But he could well be forced to use technology such as a sewing machine or a telephone, depending on what duties he is assigned. In reality they will try to give him assignments that do not conflict with his religion, but the needs of the prison system will always come first. So if his job is to answer the phone in the prison library and that is the only open job for a 67-year-old man, he will get to use the phone.
You are right. The whole idea of "hate crimes" is un-American. You get a stiffer sentence because of your feelings. That means that part (say 5 of the 15 years) of your punishment is for your feelings. If we can punish people for their feelings in some situations, the thought police will not be far behind.
You can have all the feelings you want. It's when you act on those feelings...
For example, someone can hate gays as much as they want. But when that hatred allows (or requires) them to go out and beat up on them, it deserves to be punished.
I disagree. When you attack someone solely because of their beliefs, color or orientation you are a far bigger danger than people who do violent acts when provoked or a spontaneous act due to passion or anger.
While in jail, will he be forced to use electricity and other modern items?
Yes
This guy gets 15 years. I wonder how long Jessie Jr. will serve.
Probably about as much time as Dick Cheney.
Matters was made worse by recent hate crime laws that have been passed. He would have gotten the chair if he had cut a gay man's hair.
Let's make that law retroactive and send Romney to the chair.
Ah John is getting upset with the liberal statements. John go smoke a joint and calm down.
I'm mellow as can be, I guess my humor isn't your cup of Tea.
Make him go on a date with Esther. That would be punishment enough!
Those beards are so weird looking. The Taliban obsess over beards as well. I think they are freaky looking.
Perhaps this guy can get a job as a prison barber while he spends the rest of his life there.
@NewYorkCity - Very narrow minded opinion.
The Amish as a group do not hurt anyone or any creature. Crazy is a path that certain individuals journey on.
They save provisions in their beards, just in case of harsh weather.
This loser, Mullet, looks like a @!$%#ing goat. These Amish abuse their animals, marry their cousins, and conduct themselves like retards. They should all be put in jail. It's always the "religious" people who are fully screwed up and without hope for recovery.
I'd thought I'd seen every type of bigotry on these vines, but this is a new one. Congrats!
Well said NYC
I 2nd the congrats Mifo
.
no no no you have to go down to hillbillyville for THAT type of action...
This guys nuts should be cut off and placed in his mouth.
I bet this old man would whip your ass if you went and tried to cut his beard. YOU little queer.
Why do you queers always talk about putting balls in there mouth.
I heard it was a DEMORAT that killed those kids in Newtown, CT. Not always religious freaks. Liberal freaks are just as BAD sometimes WORSE.
Steve-1962,
What the hell are you rambling about? Your comments make no sense. I sincerely hope you never reproduce.
I think Steve just prefers the frank over the beans.
Or the Tater over the Tots!
da cutting of the jewels and da placing in the mouth was accompanied by da bullet in da back of da head for da mafia stool pigeons...
eh... paisano...
They shun technology but used battery powered clippers to remove a religious symbol?
Nobody said they were religious and smart.
Reporters really should learn a little bit about their subject before writing about it. The Amish don't "shun technology". They do take a cautious approach toward adopting it though. They'll try something and see if it causes problems for the community and if it does then they stop using it, if it doesn't they keep using it.
Life in prison for cutting hair seems a bit extreme though.