A former missionary from the state of Ohio was formally charged by US federal authorities for alleged unlawful sexual conduct against four minors in Haiti over several years.

Jeriah Mast, 44, a Millersburg native, allegedly committed the acts during multiple visits missions carried out between 2002 and 2019, according to the indictment reported by AP.

During part of that period, Mast worked with Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), a Millersburg-based organization that coordinates missions and humanitarian work for Amish, conservative Mennonite, and related communities.

Authorities stated that the now-accused admitted to abusing some 30 victims in Haiti, in addition to others in Ohio, sparking a scandal in 2019 that drew attention to patterns of abuse in closed religious communities.

Second trial against Mast

This new federal case adds to a previous conviction. In 2019, Mast was sentenced in Holmes County to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing two minors in Ohio. However, he was granted early parole in October 2024, after serving just under six years of his sentence. The judge who authorized his release highlighted his "exemplary record" in prison and the "demonstrated remorse" for the crimes committed. As part of his supervised release, Mast was required to complete an intensive sex offender program. But on November 5, he was arrested again, this time on federal charges related to alleged abuses committed during his trips to Haiti. His hearing is scheduled in a federal court in Cleveland. Details of the Federal Indictment: The charges are based on a U.S. law that prohibits citizens from traveling abroad to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with minors. According to court documents, Mast allegedly abused four different children in 2004, 2007, and 2011.One of the cases describes a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly abused inside a tent during a mission. The federal criminal complaint is based on the investigation by Special Agent Jason M. Guyton, who detailed that Mast admitted to abusing dozens of children in Haiti between 2003 and 2019. “The behavior described in these allegations is reprehensible. It will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” stated U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer, thanking Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office for their work. Repercussions in Religious Communities and Christian Aid Ministries: The case has generated concern within Amish, Conservative Mennonite, and related church communities, groups known for their strong isolation and for trying to handle abuse situations internally. Several advocates have denounced that in these communities, victims often face pressure to forgive their abusers. aggressors and avoid external legal proceedings.

In 2019, CAM faced criticism after it was revealed that two of its managers knew since 2013 that Mast had confessed to inappropriate conduct with young people, but kept him in his position.

The organization did not immediately comment on the new charges.

Background: Mission in Haiti and 2021 Kidnapping

CAM has maintained operations in Haiti for decades, and its work gained worldwide attention in 2021 when 17 missionaries and family members were kidnapped by a gang. The victims were released later that year, some after receiving ransom and others after escaping.

On Wednesday, the alleged leader of the gang responsible for the kidnapping, Joly Germine, was sentenced to life in prison in a federal court in Washington.