4 Amish Freed Over Fears of Jail’s Taint

Four Amish inmates jailed for vandalizing a neighbor’s farm were released early, in part because officials in Hazleton, Iowa, feared they were being spoiled by such modern conveniences as plumbing and electricity. “I thought we better get them out of here because they were getting too used to it,” said Buchanan County jail administrator Russell West. “The TV, the electric light, telephone and running water--I think they were starting to like it here.” The four pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal mischief and were sentenced in May to 90 days in jail. They were released Aug. 19 after serving 72 days. About 400 of Hazleton’s 700 residents are Amish.