U.S. News

Police testify in Amish hate-crime trial

Published: Sept. 5, 2012 at 8:14 PM

CLEVELAND, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- An elderly Amish bishop had scalp cuts after a group of dissidents allegedly cut his hair and beard, an Ohio sheriff's deputy testified Wednesday.

Another bishop, Samuel Mullet Sr., and 15 of his followers are in the second week of their trial on bias charges in U.S. District Court in Cleveland, The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reported.

Holmes County Detective Joe Mullet, who is not related to Samuel, and Sheriff Timothy Zimmerly said Bishop Raymond Hershberger had cuts on his scalp and appeared close to tears when officers arrived at the Hershberger home the night of Oct. 4. Family members said Hershberger had been attacked by the "Bergholz boys," members of an Amish community in Bergholz, Jefferson County.

Mullet said Levi Hershberger told them what happened to his 79-year-old father: "Some guys broke in and gave grandpa a bad haircut."

Samuel Mullet, 66, allegedly ordered the attack, telling his followers that Hershberger and those loyal to him were "not living right." Mullet is not charged with participating in the raid.

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