Haitian Gang Leader Sentenced to Life for 2021 Kidnapping of 16 American Missionaries
WASHINGTON — A Haitian gang leader was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for orchestrating the 2021 kidnapping of 16 American missionaries, including five children, officials said. Joly Germine, 34, from Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, was also ordered to pay a $1,700 fine.
The victims were members of an Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries group who were taken hostage while returning from work at an orphanage in October 2021. The group included 12 adults and five children, ages ranging from 8 months to 6 years, all U.S. citizens, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C.
Prosecutors said Germine led the violent Haitian gang known as “400 Mawozo” and directed its operations from prison using unmonitored cell phones, allegations he and his attorneys denied. Germine was reportedly in constant contact with other gang leaders, many of whom were relatives, and sought to secure his release by holding the hostages.
The hostages were held at gunpoint for 62 days before escaping. Germine was transferred from Haitian custody to U.S. authorities in May 2022 following an arrest warrant. He had previously been sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for involvement in a gun trafficking conspiracy and laundering ransom money related to the gang.
During sentencing, Ray Noecker, whose wife and five children were among the hostages, described the experience as “life-changing” and expressed hope that Germine would find peace. The case underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to pursuing those responsible for kidnapping U.S. citizens abroad, officials said.
The sentencing marks a significant development in efforts to combat gang violence and kidnappings in Haiti, where armed groups have caused ongoing unrest.
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