The ringleader in hair- and beard-cutting attacks on fellow Amish in Ohio has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Samuel Mullet Sr., 67, was sentenced Friday in Cleveland federal court. Judge Dan Aaron Polster handed down sentences ranging from one to seven years to 15 other Amish.

The 10 men and six women were convicted last year in five attacks in Amish communities in 2011, including in Jefferson County.

Prosecutors said the attacks were retaliation against Amish who had defied or denounced Mullet's authoritarian style. They sought a life term.

Mullet's lawyer calls it an internal matter that didn't rise to a hate crime. The attorney had asked for a sentence of two years or less.

Amish believe the Bible instructs women to let their hair grow long and men to grow beards once they marry. Cutting it would be offensive to Amish.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Feb. 3, 2013: Ohio Amish leader: I'm ready to take punishment

Feb. 5, 2013: Prosecutors want life term for Ohio Amish leader

Nov. 21, 2012: Judge: Jailed Amish cannot attend Jefferson Co. wedding

Oct. 2, 2012: Judge: 7 of 9 Ohio Amish defendants free on bond

Sept. 21, 2012: Amish guilty of hate crimes in Ohio hair-cutting attacks

Sept. 12, 2012: Closings statements scheduled today in Amish hair-cutting trial

Sept. 6, 2012: Carrollton beard victim testifies against fellow Amish

Aug. 30, 2012: Detective says Amish man admitted to hair attack; Jefferson Co. sheriff set to testify in trial

Aug. 30, 2012: Amish woman says hair-cut attacks done out of love

Aug. 27, 2012: Jury selection under way for 16 Amish accused of hair-cutting attacks

Aug. 20, 2012: Judge: Feds can raise sex issues at trial of Amish

Aug.. 17, 2012: Trial issue: Sex 'counseling' of Ohio Amish wives

July 30, 2012: 16 Amish reject beard-cutting plea deals

May 31, 2012: Judge rejects Ohio Amish hate crime law challenge

May 24, 2012: Ohio Amish hair attack suspect loses bond appeal

April 20, 2012: 16 Amish plead not guilty in Ohio hair attacks

April 19, 2012: 16 defendants due in court in Ohio Amish attacks

March 21, 2012: Suspect in Ohio Amish attacks must pay for defense

March 12, 2012: 12 defendants in Ohio Amish attacks challenging hate crimes law

Jan. 23, 2012: Defense: Gov't demonizing Amish leader in Ohio   

Jan. 19, 2012: Ohio Amish suspect agreeable to house electricity

Jan. 11, 2012: 12 Ohio Amish due in court in hair-cutting attacks

Dec. 21, 2011: Suspect in Ohio Amish attacks to plead not guilty

Dec. 21, 2011: 12 indicted in beard-cutting attacks on Amish

Dec. 2, 2011: 7 Amish to stay jailed in alleged beard-cutting attacks

Nov. 30, 2011: Sex, drugs and attacks in Amish investigation testimony

Nov. 23, 2011: 7 Amish community members charged with hate crimes

Nov. 10, 2011: Another Amish beard-cutting attack reported

Oct. 27, 2011: FBI investigating alleged Amish beard-cutting attacks

Oct. 14, 2011: Former Bergholz Amish Member Discloses Clan's Rules, Punishments

Oct. 12, 2011: 2 More Amish Men Accused Of Cutting Hair, Beards Against Victims' Will

Oct. 11, 2011: Professor explains impact of Amish hair-beard-cutting attacks

Oct. 5, 2011: Sheriff: Group Of Amish 'Thugs' Attacking Other Members