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Ohio Missionary Pleads Guilty to Molesting Boys in Haiti
Developing
In Short: Jeriah Mast, a former Ohio missionary, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two boys in Haiti, marking a significant step in a case that has drawn attention to the trust issues within missionary work.
Jeriah Mast, a former Ohio missionary, has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two boys in Haiti, marking a significant step in a case that has drawn attention to the trust issues within missionary work. According to reports, Mast, who had previously admitted to molesting more than 30 boys in Haiti and four children in Ohio, was sentenced to at least 25 years in prison. The incident highlights the severe consequences faced by those who abuse their positions of trust.
Assistant Attorney General A. stated, 'This type of predatory conduct—committed by someone entrusted with missionary work—represents a profound betrayal of trust, and today’s plea is an important step toward justice for the many victims harmed by Mast’s actions.' The case has also sparked discussions about the oversight and accountability within religious organizations that send missionaries abroad.
Previously, Ohio state troopers working as Acton’s security detail grabbed Havas as he attempted to approach her, according to NBC News. Havas, who was accused of knocking an elderly couple to the ground in an attempt to confront Ohio gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton, pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from the incident. The case has added another layer of controversy to Acton’s campaign.
According to The Independent, Mast's guilty plea was to charges involving the 2004 case and one of the 2011 cases, each involving a minor between 12 and 16 years old. Mast had taken trips to Haiti for mission work between 2002 and 2019, including several years of work for the Millersburg-based Christian Aid Ministries, which coordinates missionary activities supported by Amish, conservative Mennonite, and related church groups.
What's still developing
- A CBS News spokesperson declined to comment to Fox News Digital but pointed to past statements insisting accusations from former employees were not true.
Sources
- The Independentlink