Hurt feelings turn to hate crimes in Ohio Amish community

It’s common for there to be hurt feelings and some bitterness when members of a denomination breakaway and form their own group. But there are some truly bizarre things happening in Amish country.

This week, seven men, including sect leader Sam Mullet, were arrested for allegedly forcibly cutting the hair of men and women from the main Amish community. Because of the acts were an attack on the religious character of the Amish individuals—allegedly done by Mullet’s crew to shame the members of the main Amish community for how they have treated the breakaway sect—Mullet’s crew has been charged with hate crimes.

From the AP:

“We’ve received hundreds and hundreds of calls from people living in fear,” he said. “They are buying Mace, some are sitting with shotguns, getting locks on their doors because of Sam Mullet.”

The sheriff added, “Sam Mullet is evil.”

A daughter-in-law and former brother-in-law told federal investigators Mullet allowed the beatings of those who disobeyed him, made some members sleep in a chicken coop and had sexual relations with married women to “cleanse them.”

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