An indictment, filed in the District of Columbia and unsealed today, charges Vitel’homme Innocent, a Haitian national and leader of the Kraze Barye gang, for his alleged role in the October 2022 armed hostage taking, in Haiti, of two U.S. citizens, one of whom was killed during the event.
According to the indictment, Vitel’homme Innocent and the Krazye Barye gang operate in the Ouest department of Haiti, specifically in areas such as Delmas, Torcelle, and Tabarre. This notorious gang is known for engaging in various criminal activities, including kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and car thefts.
The incident in question occurred on October 7, 2022, when Vitel’homme Innocent ordered his gang members to kidnap Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin from their home in Haiti. Armed gang members forcefully entered the Franklin residence and attempted to kidnap the couple. Tragically, Marie Odette Franklin was shot and killed during the kidnapping. Her husband, Jean Franklin, was taken captive and held at an undisclosed location in Haiti. Vitel’homme Innocent personally participated in ransom negotiations for Jean Franklin’s release, which took place on October 28, 2022, after the family made payments to the gang.
In response to this heinous crime, U.S. Attorney Graves expressed determination in holding those responsible for violent crimes against U.S. citizens in Haiti accountable. He emphasized the need to apprehend and prosecute the gangs and gang leaders, stating that all available methods will be utilized to achieve justice for innocent civilians.
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The FBI, demonstrating their commitment to pursuing justice, emphasized their relentless dedication to investigating criminal plots and tracking down leaders involved in such activities, regardless of time or distance. Special Agent in Charge Veltri asserted that they will exhaust all available resources to bring to justice those who seek to harm Americans.
Although Vitel’homme Innocent currently remains at large and is believed to reside in Tabarre, Haiti, more charges are awaiting him in the District of Columbia for his involvement in the kidnapping of 16 U.S. citizens in the Fall of 2021, as indicted previously. Providing a potential breakthrough in the case, the U.S. State Department announced a reward offer of up to $1 million in the Fall of 2022 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Vitel’homme Innocent. This reward is being offered under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program.
If convicted, Vitel’homme Innocent could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty.
The case underscores the grave issue of criminal gangs and violence in Haiti. The Kraze Barye gang and others like it pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of Haitian citizens, as well as foreign visitors or residents. Haiti’s struggling law enforcement and judicial systems have faced numerous challenges in combating these criminal organizations and bringing them to justice.
Efforts have been made by both national and international agencies to address the issue and support Haiti in its fight against gangs. However, the scale and complexity of the problem require sustained collaboration and resources to effectively dismantle these criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of the population.
It is essential for the international community to continue supporting Haiti in its efforts to strengthen its law enforcement capacity and establish a fair and impartial judicial system. Additionally, addressing the root causes of gang violence, such as poverty, social inequality, and political instability, is crucial to effectively combat this issue in the long term.
By holding gang leaders like Vitel’homme Innocent accountable for their actions and providing justice for the victims, it sends a strong message that such crimes will not go unpunished. It also serves as a reminder that everyone deserves to live in a society that is free from the fear of violence and where justice is upheld.
In conclusion, the indictment and charges against Vitel’homme Innocent shed light on the alarming prevalence of criminal gangs in Haiti and their devastating impact on the lives of innocent people. The pursuit of justice in this case and the ongoing efforts to combat gang violence in Haiti are crucial steps towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all.
