Jail for Amish sect leader until Ohio beard-cutting trial
A federal judge has refused to release the leader of a breakaway Amish sect from jail pending his trial in U.S. District Court in Cleveland on charges that he directed his family and followers to cut the beards from other Amish men in a religious dispute.
U.S. District Judge Dan Aaron Polster sided Wednesday with the government in deciding that Samuel Mullet Sr., 66, should remain behind bars.
Mr. Mullet contended that he is not a threat to anyone or a risk to flee, but federal prosecutors said he is a danger to the Amish community and noted that no other beard-cutting attacks have occurred since he was locked up with six others on Nov. 23.