Fillmore Co. to dismiss criminal charges against Amish couple for building house without a permit

Prosecutors have filed a civil complaint against an Amish couple for allegedly building a home without a permit. Fillmore County Attorney Brett Corson will seek Wednesday to dismiss criminal charges against Ammon and Sarah Swartzentruber and instead proceed with a civil case against the couple.

Attorney Fred Suhler represented the Swartzentrubers in the criminal case. A civil proceeding makes more sense, he said.

The Swartzentrubers say a December 2013 county regulation that requires homeowners to install a septic system is considered to be a modern-day convenience that goes against Amish beliefs and lifestyle.

The complaint orders the couple to bring the property into compliance or destroy and remove the house.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.