Reality Star of Amish Mafia Is Victim of Domestic Violence Assault

Posted in Domestic Violence - PFA,General on January 12, 2015

Most people understand that there is little to no reality on reality TV shows, including the show “Amish Mafia” on the Discovery Channel. However, when the actors of such reality shows leave the set, true life does begin. According to online reports, Esther Schmucker, the love interest of the Amish Godfather persona Eli on the show, was the victim of stalking and a domestic violence assault from a former boyfriend.

Pennsylvania Assault Charges

The article states that the man repeatedly punched Esther in the face, which resulted in Esther’s nose, cheekbone, and several of her teeth being broken. I initially questioned whether this was a publicity stunt being played out in the media or if charges had actually been filed, and I was able to locate charges for the alleged ex-boyfriend as he was charged with a felony offense of Aggravated Assault, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2702; two misdemeanor charges of Simple Assault, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2701; and Stalking, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 2709.1. Given the severity of the injuries allegedly inflicted, I can see why the police filed the felony assault charge and alleged that the man caused a “serious bodily injury” to the woman.

The online court records show that the man’s bail was set at $250,000.00 secured, meaning he would have been required to post collateral in that amount of money or hire a bail bondsman to post that collateral on his behalf to get out  of jail. The court docket shows that the man appeared in court and pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor offenses of Simple Assault and Stalking for a sentence of 3 years of probation. If the man was like many men in Central Pennsylvania and was an avid hunter, he faces a lifetime ban on the possession of guns because of his guilty plea to the domestic violence misdemeanor charge.

The man was sentenced to 48 days incarceration, which was what the man had already served after failing to pay bail and be released, up to 23 months along with 3 year of probation. If a person violates a probationary sentence, the person returns before the judge for resentencing, and the judge is basically permitted to impose any sentence under the maximum sentence permitted by law.

On a side note, I must emphasize that domestic violence is never acceptable and should be reported to the police. As a husband and father of two beautiful girls, I cannot tolerate offenses against women.