Amish Mafia

The boyfriend of "Amish Mafia" star Esther Schmucker is locked up in a Pennsylvania prison for allegedly using the reality star's face as a punching bag ... and then trying to shut her up.

Imir R. Williams was captured by a police task force in Lancaster, PA this morning ... he'd been hiding out since Sunday when cops named him the suspect in Esther's beating -- which left her with a broken nose and cheekbone.

Schmucker reportedly went to a hospital for treatment after last Thursday's attack -- accompanied by Williams. Her roommate told police Williams was "guarding her" to make sure she didn't rat him out.

But cops say Schmucker did eventually come forward 3 days later to tell them about the alleged attack.

"Amish Mafia" star Esther Schmucker was allegedly beaten to a pulp by her boyfriend last week in Pennsylvania -- suffering a facial fracture, broken nose, and more -- and now police are trying to track the man down.

According to reports, cops in Strasburg, PA issued a felony arrest warrant for 24-year-old Imir R. Williams on Sunday. Williams has been charged with felony aggravated assault in connection with the alleged beating.

Police claim Williams attacked 27-year-old Schmucker early Halloween morning, repeatedly punching her in the head.

In addition to the face fracture and broken nose, police claim Schmucker suffered broken cheekbones and several broken teeth.

As of this morning, police were still searching for Williams, who's described as 6'4" and 210 pounds. Authorities believe he's either in Lancaster or New Jersey.