Criminal Charges Unsealed Against Haitian Gang Leaders For Kidnappings of U.S. Citizens
JusticeNov 07, 2022
On Monday, the US Dept. of Justice (DOJ) announced it had unsealed charges against Haitian gang leaders, including three men allegedly involved in the kidnapping of American missionaries in October 2021.
Two leaders of the "400 Mawozo" gang — Joseph Wilson, aka "Lanmo Sanjou" and Jermaine Stephenson, aka "Gaspiyay" — were charged with “conspiracy to commit hostage taking and hostage taking.” The leader of the "Kraze Barye" gang, Vitel’homme Innocent was also charged.
When US citizens are abducted, the DOJ must use every law enforcement power in its arsenal to bring victims home safely and hold kidnappers accountable. These gangs threaten Haiti and foreign travelers, which is why the DOJ and State Dept. have worked with international allies to combat these kidnap-for-ransom schemes.
We should not let reports of kidnappings be used as an excuse for the US government to intervene in Haitian affairs. Western states have invaded Haiti countless times over the past century, and each intervention has only led to more destabilization and violence. We should allow Haiti's people — not the US or a proxy Haitian government — decide the fate of their nation.