Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:12 PM EDT2013-06-18 21:12:52 GMT
A 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with second degree murder after his 5-year-old sister died Sunday. Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Detectives say the boy admitted to practicing "WWE" moves on theMore >>
A 13-year-old boy was arrested and charged with second degree murder after his 5-year-old sister died Sunday. Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Detectives say the boy admitted to practicing "WWE" moves on the girl, even after she told him that she was in pain.More >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 4:10 PM EDT2013-06-18 20:10:44 GMT
WWL-TV reports there has been a possible explosion in Washington Parish early Tuesday morning. The station stated on its website officials are on their way to the town of Isabel to investigate. According toMore >>
There was a gas line explosion early Tuesday morning, according to Washington Parish Sheriff Randy Seal. The gas fire is out, but trees in the area are still burning. More >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:36 AM EDT2013-06-18 14:36:47 GMT
Louisiana State Police reports I-10 East is closed at Whiskey Bay on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge due to multiple crashes. Traffic on I-10 East is being diverted onto I-49 North.Drivers trying to get toMore >>
Louisiana State Police said I-10 East was closed for a while Tuesday morning due to multiple crashes near Whiskey Bay on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.More >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 12:18 PM EDT2013-06-18 16:18:50 GMT
A man accused of stealing air conditioners was arrested on theft and drug charges Monday. Johnny Williams Jr., 34, of Hammond, faces charges of felony theft and possession of marijuana. The Tangipahoa ParishMore >>
A man accused of stealing air conditioners was arrested on theft and drug charges Monday. Witnesses said they saw him take the units. More >>
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:37 AM EDT2013-06-18 15:37:41 GMT
Sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in finding a suspected rapist. The Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office reported Justo Venegas, 31, is wanted on a charge of forcible rape. Chief DeputyMore >>
Sheriff's deputies are asking for the public's help in finding a suspected rapist. He is wanted for forcible rape involving a girl. More >>
(WOIO) -
They're known as the beard bandits -- a group accused of terrorizing the Amish community by cutting the beards and hair of those who opposed their leader.
Sam Mullet is the man the FEDS say is behind the beard bandits. For the very first time someone from inside Sam Mullet's crazy world is speaking out exclusively to 19 Action News reporter Scott Taylor.
Sam Mullet's world, some call it a cult, exists on 800 acres in Bergholz, OH. It's where he lives with his children and other followers.
"I think he has a way of brain washing you to do what he wants you to do," said Tonya Mullet.
Tonya Mullet, Sam's daughter-in-law, is speaking out for the very first time about what's it like to live in Sam Mullet's world.
"I believe if he told somebody to go out and murder for him, they would do it," said Tonya Mullet.
Sam Mullet and six others including some of his own sons are now facing federal hate crimes. Investigators say the group shaved the beards and cut the hair of Amish who refused to support Sam Mullet.
Tonya Mosley became Tonya Mullet in 1994 at the age of 16 when she married Sam Mullet's son, William.
She was quickly taught the way's of Sam's world.
"They wanted me to forget I ever had any family out here," said Tonya Mullet.
Sam's world includes beatings and much worse according to Federal Court documents. Sam would have his follower's wives live with him in order to be counseled on how to be sexually satisfied in their marriages.
"He has the woman believing he's some God. He is sleeping with daughter-in-laws. He is sleeping with other women," said Tonya Mullet.
Investigators call Sam the leader of this community and members have to obey Sam. Tonya says if you didn't agree with Sam Mullet he would try and break you.
"They would put two chairs in the middle of the floor and have Bill and I on those chairs and have any where from 15 to 20 chairs in a circle around us and make us sit that way all night long," said Tonya Mullet.
Tonya left Sam's world over a disagreement about medical treatment for one of her and Williams' seven children. She admits to a criminal past including an OVI conviction and was once addicted to pain medication.
Tonya and William have split. He has the kids. William does not live on his father's compound and belongs to another church.
Tonya says Sam also held people hostage in their own homes.
Even though she's out of Sam's world Tonya is still afraid of Sam Mullet. 19 Action News was able to get a message to Sam through his lawyer about Tonya's allegations. So far he hasn't responded but in the past he has said he's not part of a cult.
"He is an evil man and I think he needs to be put away for a long time," said Tonya Mullet.
Tonya believes Sam and his followers on those 800 acres of land are capable of anything.
"He said he had a lot of land and could do away with me and I would never be found," said Tonya Mullet.
Sam Mullet has not been found guilty of anything. He remains locked up and will be back in court on Wednesday, January 11th.
