A federal grand jury has indicted Jeriah Mast, 44, of Millersburg, Ohio, on charges related to the sexual abuse of minors in the Caribbean. The indictment includes four counts of attempted and actual illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country. Authorities allege that Mast traveled to Haiti on at least four occasions—specifically in 2004, 2007, and twice in 2011—to commit these offenses.
According to the federal criminal complaint filed on November 4, 2025, Mast made more than 30 trips from the United States to Haiti. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) provided records documenting these flights. If convicted, Mast could face up to 30 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each count. He may also be subject to a lifetime of supervised release following his sentence. The final penalty will be determined by the court after considering factors such as his prior record and the nature of the offenses.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti stated: “As alleged, this defendant traveled abroad to commit heinous, unspeakable crimes against vulnerable children living in an impoverished nation. 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.”
United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio said: “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. 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.”
Matthew Stentz, acting Special Agent in Charge at HSI Detroit added: “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. 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 emphasize that an indictment is only an allegation; Mast is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations along with support from local law enforcement agencies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret Kane and Jennifer King are leading prosecution efforts for Ohio’s Northern District with assistance from Trial Attorney Jessica Urban from the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation through coordination among federal, state, and local agencies. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone with relevant information about this case is encouraged to contact authorities via HSI’s tip line or report.cybertip.org.
