I’ll Take Jail

Joe Lyons • January 12, 2023

Today, Ashland Municipal Court Magistrate, Fred M. Oxley heard eight Amish responses to their fines and costs hearings.

Magistrate Oxley explained that these hearings were to determine a person’s ability to pay a fine and develop a payment plan, if necessary, or the court could order community service, asset forfeiture, wage garnishes or even jail time. If jail is ordered, a $50.00 per day credit would be assessed against the fines.

Elmer Hershberger, Mosie Shetler, Andy Swartzentruber, Eli L. Swartzentruber, Henry Swartzentruber, Susan Troyer, Eli J. Yoder, and Levi Yoder all reported that they understood their rights and understood what could happen.

Most of the Amish in court today said that they would not pay their fines, because it is against their religious beliefs, but they would take jail time. The next court date for the eight Amish is on April 14th, at 1pm.

According to a Sheriff’s Office report, 73 Amish have been cited with the violation of 4513.114 – Lights on Horse Drawn Buggy from 10/10/2022 to 01/03/2023.

Ashland County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff E. Wayne Risner commented “We don’t make the laws; we only enforce the laws, and we fully support this law, because it creates a safer environment on our Ashland roadways. As far as negotiating, we can’t. That is not within our power to negotiate. Just like if an English individual would have no lights on their vehicle, we would issue a citation, no difference.”

Sheriff Risner pointed out “The Sheriff’s Office has met with the Amish Bishops numerous times, before and after the law came into effect. We made flyers, and made sure they all had the information. The Sheriff’s Office has gone above and beyond, working to educate and explain this new law. An overwhelming population of the Amish are in compliance with this law.”