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Amish Pa. farmer sentenced to jail over outhouse

By GENARO C. ARMAS
Associated Press Writer
March 17, 2009

EBENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania Amish farmer was ordered to spend 90 days in jail after refusing to bring a pair of outhouses into compliance with state sewage laws.

Andy Swartzentruber, of Ebensburg, cites his conservative religious beliefs for refusing to abide by a court order to make the privies used by schoolchildren compliant and pay a $500 fine.

He was led away by a sheriff's deputy after Cambria County Judge Norman Krumenacker on Tuesday upheld a contempt of court ruling.

The dispute dates back a couple of years. Krumenacker says he had no choice but to sentence Swartzentruber to jail and pay a $1,000 fine. He also ordered the Amish school and outhouse padlocked.

Swartzentruber can be released early if he complies within the 90 days.

Description
I DREW THIS FOR MY DISCUSSION GROUP ON THE TOPIC BELOW

Amish Pa. farmer sentenced to jail over outhouse

By GENARO C. ARMAS
Associated Press Writer
March 17, 2009

EBENSBURG, Pa. (AP) — A western Pennsylvania Amish farmer was ordered to spend 90 days in jail after refusing to bring a pair of outhouses into compliance with state sewage laws.

Andy Swartzentruber, of Ebensburg, cites his conservative religious beliefs for refusing to abide by a court order to make the privies used by schoolchildren compliant and pay a $500 fine.

He was led away by a sheriff's deputy after Cambria County Judge Norman Krumenacker on Tuesday upheld a contempt of court ruling.

The dispute dates back a couple of years. Krumenacker says he had no choice but to sentence Swartzentruber to jail and pay a $1,000 fine. He also ordered the Amish school and outhouse padlocked.

Swartzentruber can be released early if he complies within the 90 days.