A man from Holmes County, Ohio, has been indicted on federal charges related to the sexual abuse of children in the Caribbean. Jeriah Mast, 44, of Millersburg, was charged by a federal grand jury with four counts involving attempted and actual illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country.
According to the indictment, Mast traveled to the Caribbean on at least four occasions—in 2004, 2007, and twice in 2011—where he is alleged to have sexually abused minors. The original criminal complaint states that Mast made repeated trips to Haiti and engaged in or attempted illicit sexual conduct with minors during those visits. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) records show Mast took more than 30 flights from the United States to Haiti.
If convicted, Mast faces up to 30 years in prison and fines of $250,000 per count. He could also be subject to lifetime supervised release following imprisonment. Sentencing will take into account various factors specific to the case.
“As alleged, this defendant traveled abroad to commit heinous, unspeakable crimes against vulnerable children living in an impoverished nation,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Despite the fact that the defendant’s alleged crimes occurred abroad, our law enforcement partners and prosecutors will continue to relentlessly seek justice on behalf of the minor victims. Wherever the Criminal Division has jurisdiction, we are committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in the intolerable crime of abusing and exploiting children.”
“Crimes against children, like those mentioned in these allegations, are reprehensible. Such appalling and morally corrupt behavior will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We commend the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office, whose thorough work led to these federal charges being filed today.”
“This case highlights the vital role HSI plays in identifying and investigating individuals—especially those in positions of trust—who exploit children, regardless of where these heinous crimes occur,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “HSI Cleveland, in collaboration with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Justice, worked diligently to ensure that those who prey on children abroad are held accountable here in the United States. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing justice for victims and ensuring that predators face the full weight of the law wherever our investigations lead.”
Authorities emphasized that an indictment is only an allegation; Mast is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by HSI along with assistance from local law enforcement agencies including Holmes County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret Kane and Jennifer King for Northern District of Ohio as well as Trial Attorney Jessica Urban from DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local authorities. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Individuals with relevant information about this case are encouraged to contact HSI via their tip line or online reporting platform.
