Amish Retreat Leader Charged with Trafficking and Sodomy Allegations

Authorities in Cooper County, Missouri executed a search warrant in March 2026 at the Mercy and Truth Amish and Mennonite “retreat” located at 11863 Hidden Valley Court in Boonville following a multi-year investigation.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, “The retreat was under the control of one individual who took advantage of his position in the Amish Community to control, manipulate, coerce, and force vulnerable people for his own profit in different forms.”

On March 25, 2026, prosecutors requested formal charges and an arrest warrant was issued for Sam B. Shetler, 42, of Boonville, who was arrested at the property. He is charged with two counts of trafficking for the purposes of slavery/involuntary servitude/or forced labor and one count of first degree sodomy or attempted sodomy.

The Cooper County Sheriff’s Office stated that investigators have interviewed dozens of witnesses and victims and believe more are involved. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 660-882-2771.

According to Amish America, “Shetler belongs to a Swartzentruber Amish church, generally speaking one of the most conservative and traditional of Amish groups.” The Swartzentruber Amish are known for maintaining a high degree of separation from modern society, often rejecting many forms of technology and outside influence while emphasizing strict religious practices and community authority.

Sam Shetler is identified as the owner and operator of the aforementioned “retreat,” a program that presents itself as a faith-centered, nonprofit organization serving individuals within Amish and Mennonite communities.

According to a 2025 newsletter, the “Mercy and Truth Retreat is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and 508 church affiliated private membership association that works primarily with mood disorders and brain/nervous system dysfunctions,” including mental and nervous breakdowns, childhood trauma and abuse, anxiety, and panic attacks, among others. The materials stated that residents were only charged for lab work, supplements, and medical expenses, while food, care, therapy, mentoring, and housing were described as “free of charge.”

The retreat’s stated vision “to provide care and hope for struggling individuals within our Plain Communities in a Christ like way with little or no cost to the individual person.” The newsletter indicated that Shetler was involved in leading discussions related to childhood trauma and abuse.

Authorities now allege that Shetler took advantage of his position in the Amish Community for control and manipulation. According to investigators, Shetler is accused of using force, fraud, and coercion to compel residents to work without pay. Individuals reported being required to perform labor under conditions that amounted to forced servitude.

Source: Read the original report