By Zech Sindt
On September 30, 2024, Fillmore County Community Corrections (FCCC) attempted to prematurely release Chriss Stutzman, an Amish bishop formerly convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, from probation.
In 2019, the victim, now an adult, bravely came forward to report the abuse she suffered at the hands of Stutzman in 1989. She provided a harrowing account of how Stutzman, at the time a 28-year-old well-respected figure in their Amish community, used his position of authority to manipulate and coerce her into sexual acts. The abuse, she revealed, was not an isolated incident, but a pattern of repeated assaults that took place in various locations.
The victim, who worked for Stutzman and his wife, described being cornered in the feed room of the barn, pushed against the wall, and raped on feed sacks. She recounted how Stutzman would often find opportunities to isolate her, assaulting her in the hayloft of the barn, in his buggy on the way home from church, and even during a fishing trip where he provided her with alcohol beforehand. Disturbingly, the victim recounted how on at least two occasions, other individuals, one a member of the Amish community, and another from outside the Amish community, walked in on the assaults in the barn but failed to intervene, highlighting a chilling disregard for her safety and a disturbing acceptance of Stutzman’s actions.
These details, revealed in court documents and in the victim’s statements, paint a grim picture of a young girl trapped in a cycle of abuse with little protection from the adults around her. The victim’s vulnerability was further exploited by Stutzman’s position of power within the Amish community.
When confronted by investigators, Stutzman confessed to the abuse, corroborating many of the details provided by the victim. He admitted that the abuse occurred multiple times, although he claimed he couldn’t remember all the specifics. The victim, however, maintained that the abuse happened 26 times.
Despite the overwhelming evidence and his confession, Stutzman attempted to deflect responsibility, portraying the victim as a willing participant. This disturbing tactic was swiftly rebuked by Judge Jeremy Clinefelter during the initial sentencing. Judge Clinefelter emphasized that a 14-year-old cannot consent to sexual activity with an adult, highlighting the inherent power imbalance and the manipulative nature of Stutzman’s actions.
Stutzman was sentenced to ten years of probation with strict conditions, including sex offender treatment, no contact with minors, and 45 days in jail. The sentence aimed to hold him accountable for his actions while also providing an opportunity for rehabilitation and preventing further harm.
However, in a move that blindsided the victim and the community, FCCC, the very organization tasked with supervising Stutzman and ensuring his compliance with the court-ordered conditions, filed a request for his early discharge from probation in September.
Assistant Fillmore County Attorney Marla Stanton, alerted to FCCC’s request, immediately objected, arguing that Stutzman needed to remain under supervision for the full duration of his sentence. In her letter to Judge Clinefelter, Stanton expressed serious concerns over FCCC’s recommendation, highlighting the severity of the crime. She also submitted written correspondence, provided by the victim, objecting to an early discharge.
On December 9, 2024, a hearing was held to address this contentious issue. Stanton appeared on behalf of the State, and Stutzman, now age 64, appeared with his attorney, Zachary Bauer. Judge Clinefelter, after consideration of the arguments presented, the victim’s impact statement, and the State’s objection, delivered a decisive ruling. He denied FCCC’s request for early discharge.
Following this decision, Stutzman’s 2019 conviction and punishment for the 1989 sexual assault on the 14-year-old girl will remain in place until his 10 years of probation is complete. He will be discharged on September 9, 2029.
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