Categories: World

FBI adds Haitian gang leader to most wanted fugitives list for his alleged role in kidnapping 16 Americans

close Video

FBI director says border gotaways a ‘great concern’

FBI Director Christopher Wray told lawmakers Wednesday that gotaways across the southern border are a ‘great concern’ for the agency.

The FBI added Haitian gang leader Vitel’Homme Innocent to the agency’s “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list for his alleged role in kidnapping 16 Americans and the killing of another.

A Nov. 7, 2022, federal indictment charged Innocent with conspiracy to commit hostage-taking and hostage-taking for his alleged role in the armed kidnapping of 16 Americans who were Christian missionaries near Port-au-Price, Haiti, in the fall of 2021.

Most of the individuals were held captive for 61 days before finally escaping, the FBI says. 

According to the indictment, Innocent leads the Kraze Barye gang, which worked together with 400 Mawozo in the kidnapping.

DETROIT MOM ARRESTED FOR ABANDONING SHIVERING TODDLER ON BEACH AS WAVES WASHED OVER HIM: POLICE

A Nov. 7, 2022 federal indictment charged Vitel’Homme Innocent with conspiracy to commit hostage taking and hostage taking for his alleged role in the armed kidnapping of 16 Americans who were Christian missionaries near Port-au-Price, Haiti, in 2021. (FBI)

Innocent was also charged in an October 2022-armed hostage taking in Haiti, which included two Americans, killing one.

According to prosecutors, Innocent ordered gang members to kidnap both Jean Franklin and Marie Odette Franklin from their home in Haiti on Oct. 7, 2022. Marie Odette Franklin was killed while her husband was held hostage.

During Jean Franklin’s time in captivity, Vitel’Homme allegedly demanded ransom for Franklin’s release. Franklin was released after his family made ransom payments to the gang.

“Vitel’Homme Innocent is charged in the death of an American citizen and alleged involvement in the kidnappings of more than a dozen Americans in Haiti,” U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves said. “We applaud FBI-Miami’s dedication to this case. It is our hope that with the placement on the top ten list, the reward, and the public’s help, Vitel’Homme Innocent will be brought to justice.”

SAMANTHA WOLL MURDER: WHY DID DETROIT POLICE RELEASE SUSPECT SO SOON AFTER ARREST?

Jeffrey B. Veltri, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Miami said the agency is offering a $2,000,000 reward for information leading to Innocent’s arrest and/or conviction.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Vitel’Homme Innocent of Haiti is on the FBI’s notorious “Ten Most Wanted” list. (iStock)

“Haitian gang leader Vitel’Homme Innocent is the 532nd fugitive added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and killing of U.S. Citizens in Haiti,” Veltri said. “The State Department is offering a reward of up to $2,000,0000 for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction. Our resolve to bring him to account for his alleged crimes will not waver. I want to thank the State Departments Diplomatic Security Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for their close cooperation and partnership investigating these cases.”

Innocent is believed to be in Haiti, but has connections to others throughout the Caribbean.

Adam Sabes is a writer for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to Adam.Sabes@fox.com and on Twitter @asabes10.

Share

Recent Posts

Is there a New England serial killer? Former FBI agent with regional ties reveals his theory

close Video Mauro weighs in on New England serial killer theory Fox News contributor and…

2 hours ago

Father whose son died from fentanyl warns overdoses ‘can happen to anyone’ as states fight deadly crisis

close Video Grieving father shares story of his son's fatal drug overdose Steve Muth speaks…

2 hours ago

Former Vice President Mike Pence honored by Kennedy family in receiving the JFK ‘Profile in Courage Award’

BOSTON, Mass. – Former Vice President Mike Pence was honored on Sunday night for his…

4 hours ago

Trump to tap new national security advisor in 6 months; calls Waltz move ‘upgrade’

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he plans to appoint a new national security advisor…

6 hours ago

American tourist reportedly impaled on Rome’s Colosseum fence as dozens watch in horror

close Video Pope Francis' tomb opens to visitors at Rome's St. Mary Major Basilica The…

8 hours ago

Manhunt after inmate escapes at Seattle airport, boards train

close Video Small plane makes fiery crash into 2 California homes Two homes were set…

8 hours ago