Ringleader In Amish Hair Attacks Appeals To SUPCUS

The leader of a breakaway Amish group accused in hair- and beard-cutting attacks is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. The petition filed by 71-year-old Samuel Mullet Senior and two of the 15 followers sentenced in the case challenges the constitutionality of the federal hate crimes law and a kidnapping allegation used to increase Mullet's sentence. Prosecutors say some victims of the 2011 attacks were restrained as others cut their hair and beards, which have spiritual significance in the faith.  An appeals court dismissed hate-crime convictions for all 16 defendants, and they were resentenced on remaining charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice.