Ohio Missionary Admits to Sexual Abuse of Two Boys in Haiti

Former Ohio missionary pleads guilty to molesting two boys in Haiti. Legal case highlights abuse in Anabaptist communities.

Editorial Desk

September 9, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Cleveland, United States — A former Ohio-based missionary has admitted guilt for sexually abusing two minors in Haiti, with the potential for a minimum 25-year prison sentence under a plea deal.

Jeriah Mast, 45, from Millersburg, Ohio, made the plea in federal court in Cleveland before Judge Donald C. Nugent. He previously confessed to molesting over 30 boys in Haiti and four children in Ohio in 2019. The sentencing is set for December 15, with a recommended range of 25 to 33 years.

📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES

👉 READ BY CLICKING HERE

Mast worked on mission trips to Haiti between 2002 and 2019, including time with Christian Aid Ministries, an organization linked to Amish and Mennonite groups. His case has raised concerns about sexual abuse within Anabaptist communities, where victims often face pressure to avoid legal action outside religious structures. Federal prosecutors accelerated their investigation after learning of his early release from state prison in 2025.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

Author

Editorial Desk

Policy Wire is your go-to editorial hub for insightful perspectives and informed analysis on pressing policy issues, both regionally and globally. Over the years, Policy Wire has collaborated with leading international news agencies—including AFP, AP, Reuters, and others—to provide fact-based reporting and nuanced commentary. With a commitment to clarity and credibility, we aim to bridge the gap between complex policy debates and public understanding, ensuring that our readers stay informed on the issues shaping the world today.