Ohio missionary charged with traveling to Haiti for sexual activities with minors

An Ohio-based missionary, Jeriah Mast, 44, from Millersburg, has been formally charged by a federal grand jury with four counts of engaging in sexual abuse of minors in Haiti. Mast, who had a long-standing role overseeing a school program in the country, allegedly exploited children during multiple trips between 2002 and 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Mast, a member of the Mennonite community, traveled to Haiti through Christian Aid Ministries, the Ohio organization that previously gained attention in 2021 when 17 of its missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang. The indictment in the Northern District of Ohio cites separate instances of abuse involving different minors, confirmed through flight records showing Mast took over 30 trips from the U.S. to Haiti between November 2002 and August 2018.

The defendant is accused of traveling internationally to commit horrific crimes against defenseless children in a nation facing extreme poverty, said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. Even when crimes occur abroad, our law enforcement and prosecutorial teams remain committed to securing justice for victims.

While in Haiti, Mast held authority over a school program and allegedly preyed on boys aged 8 to 10, taking advantage of the trust placed in him by the community. Following media exposure in Haiti, Mast left the country. It is not yet known if he has legal representation.

U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating that such acts against children are reprehensible and that law enforcement efforts by Homeland Security Investigations and the Holmes County Sheriffs Office were crucial in bringing the charges.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz of ICE Homeland Security Investigations noted that the case underscores the importance of monitoring and investigating those in positions of trust who exploit children internationally. We are determined to pursue justice and hold predators accountable wherever they operate, he added.

This indictment follows a recent surge in federal cases involving U.S. citizens targeting individuals in Haiti, including a separate plot last month in which two Texas men were charged with planning to kidnap, kill, and sexually exploit people on the island of La Gonve.

Author's Analysis: Accountability Beyond Borders

The indictment of Jeriah Mast highlights a disturbing pattern of exploitation by individuals in positions of trust who operate internationally. The charges span nearly two decades, reflecting both the persistence of criminal behavior and the challenges in monitoring activities abroad.

The involvement of U.S. law enforcement, including Homeland Security Investigations and local authorities in Ohio, demonstrates a commitment to prosecuting crimes against children even when they occur outside national borders. Flight records and repeated trips to Haiti were key in establishing the scope of the offenses.

Christian Aid Ministries, the organization facilitating Mast's travel, now faces renewed scrutiny over its oversight practices. The case underscores the need for stricter accountability for organizations sending personnel to vulnerable communities abroad.

Ultimately, this case serves as a reminder that child protection requires vigilance at both domestic and international levels, and that exploitation can be pursued legally no matter where it occurs.

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• Ohio missionary indicted on charges of traveling to Haiti for sex with minors