Former Millersburg Missionary Indicted on Federal Child Sex Charges

Federal prosecutors secured an indictment on December 3 against Jeriah Mast, 44, of Millersburg, charging him with illicit sexual conduct with four different minors in Haiti over multiple years. Authorities said the alleged abuse took place during repeated visits to Haiti between 2002 and 2019. Mast was arrested on the federal case on November 5 and was scheduled for arraignment in federal court in Cleveland.

The indictment follows an earlier Holmes County prosecution in 2019, when Mast pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two minors in Ohio and received a nine year sentence in county court. He was released early in October after serving just under six years, and conditions of his release included three years of supervised probation and completion of sex offender specific programming.

Officials said Mast admitted to abusing about 30 victims in Haiti and additional victims in Ohio, and the new federal charges focus on alleged incidents in Haiti in 2004, 2007 and 2011. The allegations include a detailed complaint that references an assault involving a 13 year old boy in a tent. Federal prosecutors commended the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office in bringing the case to federal court.

The case has renewed scrutiny of the Millersburg based Christian Aid Ministries, which coordinates missionary activities for Amish, conservative Mennonite and related groups. Christian Aid Ministries drew attention in 2019 after it placed managers on leave amid revelations that leaders had known of prior confessions by Mast yet retained him on staff. That history has deepened local concern about institutional responses to abuse and the barriers victims face when reporting.

For Holmes County residents the case has public health and social equity implications. Survivors who come from plain dressing or tightly knit faith communities often encounter social pressure to forgive rather than pursue criminal charges, which can discourage reporting and delay care. Trauma from childhood sexual abuse is associated with long term mental and physical health problems, making access to confidential, culturally competent medical and behavioral health services essential.

The indictment underscores the need for continued coordination between local law enforcement, federal agencies, and community health providers, and for survivor centered supports that respect cultural contexts while ensuring accountability. As the federal case moves forward, local officials and service providers will face renewed pressure to strengthen reporting pathways and to offer resources for healing and justice.