Closing arguments in Amish beard-cutting trial

CLEVELAND - The three-week long Amish beard-cutting trial in federal court is nearing an end. The prosecution and 16 defense attorneys presented their closing arguments on Wednesday.

The jury will begin deliberations on Thursday.

"This was a campaign of terror" based on religion, said Assistant US Attorney Kristy Parker. Sixty-six-year-old Sam Mullet and 15 of his followers are charged with federal hate crimes after a series of beard and hair cutting attacks last fall.

Mullet is accused of ordering the attacks, although he is not accused of participating.

"But, he didn't stop them either," Parker told the jury.

Sixteen defense attorneys also presented closing arguments to the jury. The defense claims there was no intent to inflict bodily harm or injury.

J. Dean Carro, who represents Lester Miller, said the beard cuttings were done with compassion and love for those who had strayed from the Amish way of life.

The defense told jurors that the hair removal doesn't meet the definition required to be found of a hate crime.