Sentences reduced for Amish beard-cutting attacks

A judge reduced the prison sentences Monday for the leader of a breakaway Amish group and seven followers after hate crimes convictions were thrown out in their hair- and beard-chopping attacks against other members of the faith.

The Ohio group's leader, Samuel Mullet Sr., will be released from prison about four years earlier than the initial sentence he was given in February 2013.

An appeals court dismissed hate crimes convictions against all 16 defendants last year, prompting Judge Dan Aaron Polster to resentence them on their remaining charges, principally conspiracy to obstruct justice.

Mullet's 15-year sentence was reduced to 10 years, nine months. Sentences for four men who received seven years were cut to five years. Sentences for three men who got five years were lowered to three years, seven months.

The other eight, including six women, have served their sentences.

The Sixth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals dismissed the hate crime convictions because of improper jury instructions by Polster on whether the 16 were involved in the hair and beard cutting because of the victims' religion.

Polster on Monday made it clear that he remains convinced that the attacks were "substantially motivated by the victims' religion." He said the defendants inflicted trauma on the victims and trampled on their First Amendment right of religious freedom.

"The remaining eight defendants still warrant substantial sentences," Polster said.

Mullet did not participate in any of the attacks, but assistant U.S. attorney Bridget Brennan said in court Monday that Mullet exerted tight control as bishop and leader of the community and encouraged the attacks. She said each one began and ended at Mullet's home.

The Associated Press