CLEVELAND – A judge isn't letting defendants convicted in beard- and hair-cutting attacks on fellow Amish to leave jail to attend a family wedding in Ohio.
Federal Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland ruled Wednesday against requests by five of nine Amish locked up awaiting sentencing. Seven other defendants remain free pending sentencing.
The judge agreed with prosecutors that anyone released from jail might become a fugitive or pose a danger to others. Prosecutors say one even discussed cutting more hair while on furlough.
Those asking to attend the Thanksgiving Day wedding in Bergholz in eastern Ohio include two brothers and an uncle of the bride. Prosecutors say the bride and groom are "unindicted co-conspirators" in the case.
A jury convicted 16 Amish of hate crimes in last year's attacks. The convictions are being appealed.
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