U.S. charges Haitian gang leader for ordering kidnapping of U.S. couple

Darryl Coote
·2 min read
26
UPI
Vitel'homme Innocent, the leader of the Kraze Barye gang, is accused of ordering the kidnapping of two Americans living in the Caribbean country. Photo courtesy of FBI

Oct. 25 (UPI) -- U.S. federal prosecutors have charged a Haitian gang leader with ordering the kidnapping of an American couple, resulting in one of their deaths.

The three-count indictment, unsealed Tuesday, was filed in the District of Columbia accusing Vitel'homme Innocent, the leader of the Kraze Barye gang, of being behind last October's kidnapping for ransom scheme of Jean and Marie Odette Franklin.

The married couple were kidnapped Oct. 7, 2022, from their Haitian home by armed gang members who forced their way into the residence.

During the crime, Marie Odette Franklin was fatally shot, while Jean Franklin was seized and transported to an unknown location. Jean Franklin was released 21 days later after his family made ransom payments to the gang.

Innocent has been charged with conspiracy to commit hostage taking resulting in death, hostage taking and attempted hostage taking resulting in death. He remains at large and is believed to reside in Tabarre within the Ouest department of Haiti.

A reward of up to $1 million has been offered for information the leads to the arrest or conviction of Innocent, who faces a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.

"The Justice Department is vigorously pursuing those who harm or endanger Americans living in Haiti," Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement.

Innocent was also charged by the Justice Department in November over allegations that Innocent was involved in the kidnapping of 17 Christian missionaries who all but one Canadian were U.S. citizens. The hostages were held captive for 61 days.

"We remain steadfast in our mission to hold those responsible for violent crimes committed against U.S. citizens in Haiti," U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia said Tuesday. "The gangs and gang leaders in Haiti must be held accountable for their atrocities committed against innocent civilians.

We will utilize all methods at our disposal to apprehend and prosecute those who commit such heinous acts."

Haiti has been rocked by a political crisis since the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, and rampant gang violence has worsened the situation, according to an August report from the U.S. Congressional Research Service.

The Haitian nonprofit Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights said in October that there have been 901 kidnappings, including at least 63 foreigners, so far this year.