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KOAM TV  Kansas - January 26, 2010 

Mo. Amish couple plead in child molestation case

by Associated Press

MARSHFIELD, Mo. (AP) - An Amish couple who were shunned by leaders of their southwest Missouri community for suspected child sexual abuse involving family members have pleaded guilty.

According to court records, Johnny A. Schwartz pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts each of statutory sodomy and child molestation. He was sentenced in Webster County Circuit Court to a total of 20 years.

His wife, Fannie J. Schwartz, pleaded guilty to child endangerment for failing to report the abuse. She was sentenced to five years' probation and 100 hours of community service.

Four men described by prosecutors as bishops of the Amish community near Seymour face trial March 10 on one misdemeanor count each of failing to report suspected child abuse. After they were charged last fall, their lawyer questioned whether they qualify as mandatory reporters of suspected abuse under Missouri law.

This article was found at:

http://www.koamtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11885168

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