Sheriff Faces Amish Suit
$35 million claim stems from 2007 raid of schoolBy MARK LAW
Article Photos
STEUBENVILLE - Thirty-five Amish residents in the Bergholz area have filed a $35 million federal lawsuit against the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department concerning a 2007 raid on their property that was part of a child custody case.
The lawsuit claims the sheriff's department's special response team "outfitted in paramilitary uniforms and equipment with automatic guns drawn and ready for engagement" surrounded the Amish schoolhouse and the home of Samuel Mullet, the bishop of the Amish community, in an attempt to retrieve two children who were part of a custody case in Jefferson County Common Pleas Court.
The lawsuit alleges the actions of the sheriff's department were done without probable cause to execute a routine civil law change of custody and violated the civil rights of the Amish residents.
The federal case states the defendant's use of "SWAT and paramilitary tactics induced fear and panic, especially among the plaintiffs' minor children, who were forced to flee into their schoolhouse as the defendants entered the premises/ grounds with automatic weapons drawn and ready for engagement."
The lawsuit names the sheriff's department, Sheriff Fred Abdalla and several deputies as defendants. The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages of $10 million and $25 million in punitive damages.
Abdalla, at the time, said there had been allegations of sex crimes within the community and deputies had been threatened by members of the Amish community in the past.
The sheriff said threats were made deputies would be shot if they interfered.
Crist Mullet, 29, a member of the Bergholz Amish community, pleaded guilty Sept. 10 before Jefferson County Common Pleas Judge David Henderson to three counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.
Another member of the Amish community also pleaded guilty in county court that he made threats against the sheriff.
Abdalla denied Thursday that he violated the civil rights of the members of the Bergholz Amish community.
"What about the rights of the children who were sexually abused for years and the adults knew about it? I look forward to this going to court and let's put the facts out there and let them be exposed to a jury. I'm not in favor of any settlements (out of court)," Abdalla said.
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paperladyren
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11-12-08 12:17 PM
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Hard to believe that someone who committed rape on a 12 year old girl(and was also charged with molesting 3 boys-The children couldn't remember the date of this offence-so this was dropped)would get sentenced to only 6 months,and to the county correctional building in Richmond, OH. This seems like a travesty to our laws,I don't care if his Dad,the Bishop,did punish him with 2 weeks shunning(Not being allowed to go to church and to eat or work with other Amish)I believe that Henderson (the Judge) is lax in his duties. If and when he comes up for re-election, this type of stuff and especially this case needs to be looked at, I believe he did not do right by this case and by regular men who serve a few years for something like this.I ran into Crist at an auction and he laughed and said he isn't going to jail. I told him that the judge could and should have sentenced him to a lot more and to a regular jail.He's no better then any other man.This group is not consider Amish by their sect no
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childrenfirst
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09-24-08 11:09 PM
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We need more peoplel like this sheriff. He was doing his job by upholding a court order. What would had been different if this had been an english community? In America you have to abide by the law Amish or not. Amish are no different than anyone else. There are many wonderful Amish families but there are some bad ones too. I pray God protects the sheriff through this horrible ordeal. Open your eyes America!
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TheRealityPolice
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09-21-08 9:28 AM
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I wonder who the scum lawyer is that is behind this lawsuit? That should be in the public records, right?
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acousticportal
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09-20-08 9:24 AM
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If their beliefs go against the state or federal laws, too bad. They can keep to themselves as long as they're law-abiding citizens. Good job Sheriff Abdalla! Someone has to be an advocate for the children.
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CenterWheeling
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09-19-08 9:56 PM
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Check out "Jefferson County Ohio Sheriff SWAT Team Raids Amish School" on YouTube. Somehow this group of Amish in Bergholz don't quite fit the idyllic picture of them that I've had my whole life! Makes me wonder what's the difference between the Amish and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints!
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feedup101
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09-19-08 3:05 PM
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well said KT
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ktbass
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09-19-08 2:35 PM
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You can't put all Amish in the same boat as these people. I have met a few in the Amish community and they are hard working people that have their beliefs and keep to themselves. I don't think I could live like they do, though I respect their culture. There are bad apples everywhere.
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whisperinghope
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09-19-08 12:01 PM
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I lived in the valley for over 40 + years and of all the area county sherriff's Sherrif Abdalla in my oppinion does an outstanding job. I read about this case, and I say he did what was best for the protection of the children. I thought the amish weren't about money and so forgiving??? Guess not. When it comes to money TRUE COLORS SHOW. If anyone starts a legal fun for Sherrif Abdulla I wil cntribute. I remember seeing him on tv several years ago when a child received a sever sunburn he truly is concerned about children and the public in general. The amish have been able to get away with too much for too long.
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acousticportal
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09-19-08 10:51 AM
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Good. Now we can systematically dissect every aspect of this cult and put a microscope up their arses. They just invited the public into their closet.
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ktbass
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09-19-08 10:08 AM
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There needs to be more law enforement officers like Fred!!
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MBonen
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09-19-08 9:25 AM
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Go get 'em Fred. Nothing is more paramount than children with Sheriff Abdalla. Threats were made and he dealt with the situation appropriately. I get the impression that this Amish group may be more of a rogue group than instep with mainstream Amish.
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